The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, House in Abuja has reserved judgment in the petitions challenging the outcomes of the local government elections in Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Otukpo Local Government Areas.
The ruling, according to the Tribunal, will be delivered on dates to be communicated to all parties involved.
At the Saturday, April 5, 2025 sitting, the Zone A Panel 1, presided over by Justice Ityonyiman, concluded the hearing of petitions from Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Logo LGAs by adopting the final written addresses submitted by all legal teams.
Similarly, the Benue South (Zone C) panel adopted the final written addresses in the Otukpo LGA petition, marking the conclusion of the hearing phase in that case as well.
These developments come amid lingering controversies that have trailed the conduct of the October 5, 2024 Benue local government elections and the tribunal proceedings thereafter.
The relocation of the tribunal from Makurdi to Abuja in March 2025, citing insecurity and a judiciary staff strike, sparked protests and legal resistance.
While the Federal High Court in Makurdi initially halted the tribunal’s Abuja sitting, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory later issued an interim order allowing the proceedings to continue.
