BREAKING: Benue: Court sacks Ohimini, Apa LG chairmen

The Local Government Election Petition Tribunal, sitting at the NBA House in Abuja, has invalidated the elections of two council chairmen in Benue State.

In a fresh judgment delivered on Monday, the tribunal ordered the removal of Adam Hon Adole O.J Gabriel, chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, and Adams Ochega Ogwola, chairman of Apa Local Government Area, effectively nullifying their victories at the polls.

The ruling followed separate petitions filed by opposition candidates who rejected the conduct and outcome of the elections held earlier in the year. The aggrieved contestants, reportedly enjoying the backing of the political camp of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, alleged that the elections were marred by irregularities and gross non-compliance with established electoral laws.

The tribunal, after reviewing evidence and arguments presented by all parties, upheld the petitions and voided the results in both local government areas.