APGA calls for annulment of LG election in Benue

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called for the immediate cancellation of the just concluded Local Government (LG) elections in Benue.

The Benue Chairman of APGA, Mr. Joseph Ogli, made the call during an interaction with newsmen on Monday in Makurdi.

Ogli said the victory of the APC in the 23 local government areas in the elections was a shame for the state and for Governor Hyacinth Alia.

He said over N6 billion was paid to the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the conduct of the election which did not take place.

According to him, the candidates were forced to pay between 250,000 and 500,000 naira for external selection fees, paid by different political parties.

“The APGA in the state encouraged its members to contest the local elections on the grounds that Benue has a clergyman and a priest as governor.

“We believed it would provide a level playing field for all political parties to contest in the state.

“We were shocked that a clergy could organize an election while APGA or any other political party cannot win a councilor where we had popularity.

“This is simply a setback for our democracy and a miscarriage for the third branch of government.

“We call on all lovers of democracy to speak out against this ‘afternoon robbery’ triggered by an election by the BSIEC chairman which has succeeded in destroying the integrity of the governor,” Ogli said.

Ogli added that the party candidate, Mrs. Winifred Azumi, the presidential candidate of Agatu Local Government Area, would seek relief in court and called on her supporters to remain calm.