Benue governorship election: Live updates, situation reports and results

Today, the people of Benue State would decide who would lead them for another four years.

Although, several persons are in the race for the number one stool, but only two persons stand tall with their head above political sea.

Samuel Ortom, the incumbent governor of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would be defending his seat against a federal government-powered Emmanuel Jime of the All Progressives Congress.

IDOMA VOICE is currently on ground and would bring you up-to-date news from the 23 local government areas of the state.

Benue State has a 90% rate of PVC collection. An estimate of two million eligible voters are expected to cast their votes in the Governorship and State Houses of assembly elections in the state.

5:30am:

From the ancient city of Makurdi, it seems people didn’t sleep. The who city is awake while skirts and trousers are seen all over.

8:am:

As at 8am, election materials have started arriving some polling units in Makurdi, the state capital.

A check at the Clark ward, Kwararafa Quarters Makurdi, showed that INEC ad hoc staff and materials have since arrived.

8:30am

Gunmen set electoral materials on fire in Guma, Gov. Ortom’s village

It was gathered that the hoodlums on arrival fired shots in the air before setting on fire the RCM Primary School Aya, housing the materials.

8:50am

Voting has begun at Nzorov ward, Ahentse PU, Gbajimba, Guma LGA.

9:22am

The voters turn out at BENUE State, Makurdi, North-bank ward 1, PU=003 is highly satisfactory. As all categories of registered voters including women and men, youths and elders are all present to exercise their right to vote, and voting had commenced at 8:am.

9:30am

Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife, Eunice, at about 9:30 am cast their votes at Nzorov ward, PU 003 in Guma.

9:40am

Poor voter turnout in All Saints Anglican Schools, Makurdi, PU 014 and 015. My estimation is about 50% down from February 23rd. It seems the “what will be, will be” has taken center stage in the hearts of Benue electorates.

David Mark, Abba Moro vote in Benue south around 12noon

2:20pm Ortom wins in Oma polling unit

Jime polled 86 votes to defeat his main contender, Samuel Ortom, who got 67 votes.