By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Forum of political parties in Benue State has passed a vote of no confidence on its Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Idoko for supporting the recently concluded Local Government elections in the state, which were held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The State Chairman of APGA, Comrade Joseph Ogli, particularly criticized the comments made by the inter party Chairman, Mr. Idoko Ibrahim, who is also the State Chairman of Labour Party for supporting claims of a landslide victory by the APC in the LG election in Benue State.
Ogli described the outcome of the election as the highest shame and embarrassment brought upon the administration, by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
It was alleged that BSIEC collected 6 billion Naira for the elections, but candidates were still forced to pay additional fees ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 Naira outside of the screening money paid at the BSIEC office by candidates from various political parties.
APGA in the State encouraged its members to contest the local government election, believing that the state governor, who is a clergyman, would provide a level playing field for all political parties.
However, the party expressed shock at the outcome of the election, stating that despite their popularity, APGA or any other political party did not win a councilor seat.
The party described the election as a "setback for democracy and a miscarriage of justice" if the governor proceeds with the swearing-in of candidates who were not elected in the last Saturday election.
APGA called on all democracy advocates to denounce the election process conducted by BSIEC, accusing the Chairman of destroying the Governor's integrity.
The Labour party, led by Mr. Idoko Ibrahim, came under criticism for speaking on behalf of IPAC in Benue State after a vote of no confidence had been passed on him by 98% of the political parties he represented.
Despite the party's decision to retain him as chairman, his personal interests were seen as detrimental to the collective interests of the other political parties adding that the comments of the State Labour Party Chairman who commended BSIEC for conducting a free, fair and transparent election were his personal views and not a reflection of the collective position of other political parties.
APGA announced that they would seek legal redress in court over the election results, urging their supporters to remain calm as their legal team addressed the situation.
