A faction Group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has expressed disagreement with the recent judgement delivered by the Appeal Tribunal regarding the outcome of the Local Government Elections held on October 5th, 2024.
The faction, led by Comrade Austin Agada, acknowledged the judgment but disagreed with the dismissal of their petitions on the grounds of pre-election matters.
The Publicity Secretary of APC in Benue State, Comrade Dan Morgan Ihomun, stated that while they respect the legal interpretation of the Appeal Tribunal as the final arbiter in Local Government Election Tribunal matters, they firmly believe that their candidates were validly sponsored and should have been declared winners.
According to him, "Our party duly conducted its Chairmanship and Councilorship primary elections, after which candidates emerged and were duly submitted to the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC)".
He however regretted that despite the clear participation and victory at the polls, BSIEC proceeded to announce individuals who were not validly sponsored by the APC as winners.
He expressed disappointment that despite securing favourable judgments in 9 Local Government Areas at the Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal, and losing out 14 Council Areas, the Appeal Tribunal has upturned the table.
Morgan maintained that the Agada-led faction is the authentic leadership of the party in Benue State, as upheld by the Benue State High Court.
According to Publicity Secretary, the party is currently assessing the outcome of the legal battle and is urging all party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding.
"The APC is committed to protecting the mandate given by the people and working towards improving the lives of all citizens in Benue State".
