The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) on Friday announced that elections would be conducted into the councils of 23 Local Government Areas of the state on July 6, 2023.
Chairman of BSIEC, Dr John Chen, who alongside his team were inaugurated into office by Governor Hyacinth Alia on March 29, 2024, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi, the state capital, to unveil action plans as well as activities lined up towards the exercise.
Chen said that the elections would be conducted for chairmen and councilors into the local government councils and council wards, including the expected newly created council wards in the state.
He said the move followed the governor’s charge that the commission should quickly swing into action and kick-start the processes and procedures aimed at conducting free, fair and credible elections in the state.
“Today’s gathering marks a significant step towards fulfilling that promise. We are here to unveil the official election timetable and schedule of activities for the upcoming Local Government Council elections in Benue State. This comprehensive document outlines the critical milestones the BSIEC will undertake to ensure a free and fair electoral process.”
“This commission will not organise voodoo or sham elections. We know the dangers of organising sham elections which only leads in the enthronement of mediocres’ and people of dubious acceptability into positions of leadership, ultimately leading to dismal governance.
“Alongside the election timetable, the BSIEC is proud to announce its intention for the creation of additional council wards within Benue State. This initiative is in recognition of the exponential growth in the demography, social, political and economic activities at that tier of Government. We believe that additional council wards will provide a more equitable representation at the grassroots level, thereby bringing governance and the dividends of democracy closer to the people.
“The success of any election hinges not only on the BSIEC’s efforts but also on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders. Political parties must adhere to the established guidelines and conduct their campaigns peacefully. Civil society organizations must always play a crucial role in voter education and promoting fair play in the electoral process. The media must continue to serves as the watchdog, ensuring transparency and accountability,” he said.
