The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has announced that eight political parties will participate in the local government elections scheduled for October 5. Chairman Barr Richard Tombowua confirmed this during a press conference, naming the parties as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Tombowua emphasized the commission’s commitment to a free and credible election, noting that they have started receiving part of the over N6 billion approved for the election’s conduct. He also mentioned the procurement of vehicles and contracts for producing essential electoral materials.
With 5,102 polling units across 276 council wards, BSIEC has opened a portal for recruiting ad hoc staff and is preparing training for them. Addressing concerns about potential court injunctions that could disrupt the election, Tombowua asserted, “Only God can stop this election,” citing recent amendments to the Electoral Law that limit court interference in electoral processes. He reassured residents that BSIEC is coordinating with security agencies to ensure a safe electoral environment.
