APGA has requested the cancellation of the Benue LG election, raising issues of fairness and transparency. Learn more about their concerns.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has demanded the immediate annulment of the recently completed Local Government elections in Benue.
During a conversation with journalists on Monday in Makurdi, Mr. Joseph Ogli, the Benue Chairman of APGA, issued the call.
Ogli stated that the APC’s victory in all 23 local government areas during the election was embarrassing for both the state and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
He stated that over N6 billion was allocated to the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for conducting an election that ultimately did not take place.
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He claimed that candidates were compelled to pay extra amounts ranging from N250,000 to N500,000 in addition to the screening fees covered by various political parties.
APGA in the state urged its members to participate in the local government election, reasoning that Benue is led by a governor who is both clergy and priest.
We trusted that he would ensure an equal playing field for all political parties to compete in the state.
We were surprised that a clergy member could oversee an election in which APGA or any other political party couldn’t secure the victory of a councillor, despite our popularity in the area.
This is simply a setback for our democracy and an injustice to the judicial branch of government.
Ogli urged all democracy enthusiasts to voice their opposition against what he termed an “afternoon robbery,” referring to the election conducted by the BSIEC chairman, who has compromised the governor’s integrity.
Ogli mentioned that the party’s candidate, Mrs. Winifred Azumi, who is running for chairmanship in the Agatu Local Government area, plans to pursue legal action in court and urged their supporters to stay calm.
