From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has applauded the landmark judgment delivered by the Benue State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal, which upheld the victory of all duly elected council chairmen and councillors in the October 5, 2024 elections across the 23 local government areas.
The Tribunal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, upheld the elections of all the Council Chairmen and Councillors of the state under the umbrella of the All Progressives Party (APC).
The petitioners were largely aspirants from the same APC, who claimed they were rightly nominated but unjustly excluded from the election.
At the elections, split decisions left the incumbents winning in 14 and the petitioners winning in nine out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, a development that led to the appeals from both ends.
In a statement by James Ezema, deputy national publicity secretary, CNPP, the umbrella body of registered political parties in Nigeria, commended the courage, professionalism and integrity demonstrated by the Justices of the Tribunal Hon. Justices D.M. Igyuse, M. Ugar, and I. Mohammed, who dismissed all petitions challenging the electoral process and outcomes.
“The tribunal’s judgment is not only a resounding affirmation of the will of the people of Benue State but also a testament to the fact that Nigeria’s judiciary still holds the power to strengthen democracy, ensure justice, and promote lasting peace when it resists pressure and stands by the truth.”
The CNPP further stated that “the decisions of the appeal tribunal in all three senatorial districts have reaffirmed the sanctity of the ballot and the necessity of due diligence in electoral processes. We believe that such bold judgments will discourage frivolous and unsubstantiated petitions that often clog the judicial system and distract elected officials from focusing on governance.”
The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country noted with satisfaction the tribunal’s position that issues of party nomination are internal matters beyond the purview of election tribunals, thereby reinforcing established legal principles and discouraging the misuse of legal processes for intra-party disputes.
While congratulating the elected local government chairmen and councilors, the CNPP urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering development, security, and inclusive governance at the grassroots level.
The CNPP called on all courts across the country, particularly election petition tribunals, to continue to uphold justice without fear or favor, especially in a time when political desperation often threatens the integrity of democratic institutions.
“The courts must remain the last hope of the common man, especially in matters relating to elections. Where justice is upheld, peace thrives. Where justice is denied, discontent and instability follow. Therefore, we urge the judiciary to remain a bulwark against injustice and a true promoter of peace through impartial adjudication,” it said.
Delivering the judgment for Zone A, Justice Michael Ugar, held that the petitioners were duty bound to prove they were first validly nominated before talking of exclusion.
He also held that “the petitioners having failed to prove nomination cannot lay claim to exclusion. Their case is bound to fail and hereby fails and same is dismissed.”
In Zone B, Justice I. Mohammed, held that the provisions of the Benue State Law, 2007 put the issue of nomination of candidates out of the jurisdiction of the trial tribunal.
“The issue of nomination of a candidate is within the domestic affairs of a political party and cannot be litigated at the trial tribunal or this appeal tribunal.
“They do not see a wood in the tree canvassed vigorously by the petitioners. We sit to do justice and not to supervise academic issues.
“We affirm the judgment of the trial tribunal and dismiss the appeal of the petitioners/appellants,” Mohammed said.
Delivering judgment for Zone C, the Appeals Tribunal Chairman, Justice Dennis Igyuse, said the grievances of the petitioners before the lower tribunal could not and cannot be litigated at the tribunal nor the appeal tribunal.
“The petitions of the petitioners are but a reckless display of academic prowess without, of course, a destination.
“The consolidated petitions of the petitioners in all of Zone C are dismissed and the local government elections of Oct. 5, 2024 and the return of its winners is hereby upheld.’’
Also, the three petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an earlier petition filed by the Labour Party (LP) were all thrown out.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, lead counsel of the state government representing BSIEC said the judgement was a reflection of the law, adding that the Justices were the heroes of the process for standing firmly for the cause of right.
He congratulated the council chairmen and councillors on their deserved victories and urged them to remain people-oriented.
He also commended the government of Benue as well as all the lawyers whose industry, commitment and selfless efforts made the process a huge success.