On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Benue State conduct their local government elections across all the local government areas in the state. The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) oversee the process, which involve voting in various polling units.
Voters turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic duties. According to Terlumun Tombowua, the chairman of BSIEC, the turnout was massive and unprecedented. Tombowua and members of the Forum of Chairmen of State Independent Electoral Commissions in Nigeria monitor the elections in several areas, including Makurdi, the state capital, and Guma Local Government Area.
The elections were generally peaceful, with adequate security and materials provided at the polling units. However, there were some challenges reported, such as the late arrival of electoral materials at some polling units. Voters at places like NULGE office, Ankpa quarters, and North Bank polling unit along Otukpo road experienced delays and were sometimes asked to move to ward headquarters to cast their votes.
Despite these issues, the All Progressive Congress (APC) praised BSIEC for the transparent conduct of the elections. APC State Caretaker Chairman, Benjamin Omale, expressed satisfaction with the process and hoped for an APC victory. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairman, Ezekiel Adaji, criticized the election, describing it as ‘rubbish’ due to the delays and lack of materials at some polling units.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, also cast his vote in his hometown of Mbagul in Vandekiya local government area and expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections.
