The aftermath of the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Benue State has sparked a heated war of words between Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
NewsNGR observed that the election, which saw widespread accusations of irregularities, has exposed deep divisions between the two political heavyweights, each accusing the other of undermining democratic processes.
Governor Alia’s administration has vigorously defended the election, claiming it was transparent and conducted in accordance with democratic principles.
In a statement, Ior Ikyereve, Deputy Chief Press Secretary, rejected Senator Moro’s criticisms, labeling them a “grand delusion.”
The statement highlighted the transparency of the election, pointing to the introduction of ballot papers and the recruitment of well-trained ad-hoc staff by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
According to the administration, the overwhelming support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reflected the people’s confidence in the government’s leadership.
“The Alia administration is committed to moving away from past injustices toward a more honorable political culture,” Ikyereve remarked, noting that the election marked a “new dawn” for Benue’s democracy.
In stark contrast, Senator Abba Moro released a blistering response, denouncing the local elections as a “sham” and accusing the Alia administration of rigging the polls. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Moro criticized the state government’s defense of the election, arguing that the blatant irregularities and thumbprinting captured in viral videos underscored a failure of governance.
Moving a motion in the Senate, Moro asserted that the elections were marred by blatant irregularities, including ballot box stuffing and mass thumbprinting, which were captured in viral videos. He called for the federal government to withhold allocations to local councils that emerged through selection rather than democratic election.
“The people of Benue were denied their constitutional right to freely elect their leaders, and Governor Alia should be held accountable,” Moro’s statement read, calling the election a “notorious show of shame” orchestrated by the APC.
He also accused the government of using illegal means to rig the election and suppress opposition voices.
The Benue State Government promptly reacted, with Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula asserting, “This video, which has been used to ridicule the Government of Benue State and the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, is nothing more than an unfortunate attempt by desperate individuals to score cheap political points.”
Kula emphasized that the video was a “stage-managed drama,” designed to undermine the administration of Governor Alia.
Both camps have traded accusations over the video that surfaced showing alleged multiple thumbprinting for a political party, with Moro denying any involvement in its orchestration.