The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has strongly condemned and rejected the October 5 local government elections, describing them as a complete travesty. According to a statement by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, the exercise was marred by widespread irregularities, including the non-deployment of election officials and materials to polling units across the state.
The party further alleged that in areas where voting occurred, the process was riddled with malpractice, including ballot stuffing and mass thumb-printing orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia. These incidents, they claim, were widely reported in the media.
PDP expressed deep disappointment at what it described as the “mockery of democracy,” accusing Governor Alia and the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) of betraying the people’s trust by failing to ensure a transparent and fair election. The party stated that voters who came out in good faith were left waiting all day, only to leave the polling stations disillusioned.
“This brazen display of lack of integrity not only by Governor Alia but also by BSIEC is a violation of their oath to uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement reads. “Both Governor Alia and BSIEC have failed the Benue people.”
PDP insisted that there were no legitimate elections in the state on October 5 and described the exercise as a ploy to install a puppet regime across the 23 local government councils. The party accused the APC government of perpetuating a “vicious circle of poverty” by manipulating the electoral process to sustain underdevelopment at the grassroots level.
The PDP demanded that the elections be cancelled and a new, credible election be held in accordance with electoral laws. The party emphasized that it is ready to pursue legal action if their demand is not met.
“Our great party is committed to fighting for democratic processes that reflect fairness, transparency, and accountability,” Nyor stated. “We will not waver in our pursuit of a better future for all Benue citizens.”
He also reiterated that, given a free and fair contest, the people of Benue would choose the PDP over the APC, as the latter has lost its credibility under Governor Alia.
The PDP concluded by reaffirming its dedication to promoting good governance and ensuring that the electoral process in Benue remains free and fair.