APC dominates Benue Local Government Elections, winning all positions.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won a record win in Benue State's local government elections, gaining all 23 chairperson posts and 276 councillorship seats. Despite some logistical issues, the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) held elections on October 5, 2024, with a high turnout and a relatively calm environment.

The BSIEC Chairman, Richard Tombowua, revealed the results at the commission's offices in Makurdi, confirming that the APC had won all available seats. "The election held across all 5,102 polling units in the state was free and fair," Tombowua made clear. 

He said that, although eight political parties indicated interest in participation, only five—APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)—contested.

Tombowua underlined that there were no uncontested candidates in any local government region, highlighting the election's competitive character. 

The results were gathered from different local government electoral officials and delivered without incident, with the exception of a short hostage scenario involving a BSIEC official in the Otukpo Local Government Area.

Political players have had various responses to the decision. Benjamin Omale, APC's state chairman, thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia for fostering a suitable atmosphere for the polls. 

"The evaluation has been positive. The governor has done one of the finest things that has ever occurred in Benue by allowing for one of the best local government elections in the state," he said.

Opposition leaders, on the other hand, have expressed worry about the election results' authenticity. Senator Abba Moro of Benue South, a member of the PDP, described the election process as a "rape of democracy." 

He alleged that several sections of his senatorial district did not hold polls owing to a shortage of supplies and personnel. 

Moro's comment reflects a larger opposition faction's dissatisfaction with Alia's administration's openness and fairness in governance.

However, Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the election results, calling them as a reflection of Benue inhabitants' political maturity and democratic principles. 

In a statement published by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Alia praised voters for their peaceful participation and thanked them for their overwhelming support for APC candidates. 

He noted that this support demonstrates popular confidence in his administration's agenda for Benue's future.

Alia informed locals of his commitment to carrying his campaign pledges aimed at creating a thriving state in which all residents may thrive. 

He welcomed the newly elected politicians and asked those who did not win to work with his administration to move the state forward.

The BSIEC played an important role in ensuring that the elections ran smoothly. Tombowua reaffirmed that logistical issues caused delays in results, but that they did not jeopardize the voting process' integrity. 

Various stakeholders have commended the commission's commitment to organizing free and fair elections.

Ibrahim Idoko, head of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and a Labour Party member, lauded BSIEC for its efforts to ensure a legitimate election. 

However, he said that his party will analyze the election results before making any public pronouncements about its views.

The APC's complete win in Benue demonstrates not just its supremacy at the local level, but also lays the groundwork for future governing tactics in the state. 

With all local government seats now occupied by APC members, there is potential for more efficient policy execution in accordance with Governor Alia's agenda.

This huge win may also have an impact on inter-party dynamics in Benue State, as opposition groups reconsider their strategy for the future. 

The absence of representation at the local level may force parties like as the PDP and LP to interact more actively with their voters in order to regain confidence and support ahead of future elections.

Despite their victory, the APC and Governor Alia's government still face obstacles. The remarks by opposition leaders show underlying tensions in Benue politics. 

Addressing these issues will be critical to sustaining stability and creating an inclusive political climate.

Furthermore, with so much power concentrated in one party at the local level, there are worries about accountability and governance standards. 

Maintaining openness in decision-making processes will be critical when newly elected leaders enter office.

The APC's landslide win in Benue's local government elections represents a watershed moment in Nigerian politics, both at the state and local levels. 

As freshly elected politicians prepare to take on their positions, they bear not just the expectations of their voters, but also the obligation to preserve democratic norms in the face of criticism.

Governor Hyacinth Alia's government must tread cautiously in these waters to retain public confidence while adopting policies that represent the needs and aspirations of all Benue inhabitants. 

The next several months will be key, as both supporters and detractors watch how this political mandate is translated into real-world governing.