Tribunal sacks Vandekiya chairman, gives Alia 14 days to swear in Agada’s candidate

The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal has nullified the election of Hon. Dennis Guda as Chairman of Vandekiya Local Government Area.

In its ruling, the tribunal strongly criticized Justices Igoche and Kume for disobeying court orders, describing their conduct as a blatant affront to the judiciary and its authority.

The tribunal also condemned the role of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) in the matter, labeling the commission a “meddlesome interloper” with no legal authority to interfere in internal party affairs.

Furthermore, the tribunal ruled that all actions carried out by the government-appointed Caretaker Committee were null and void. It affirmed that only candidates produced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of Austin Agada are legally recognized.

The tribunal directed Governor Hyacinth Alia to swear in the legitimate chairman within 14 days. Should the governor fail to comply, the Chief Judge of Benue State is authorized to appoint any High Court judge to perform the swearing-in ceremony.

Once inaugurated, the new chairman is expected to proceed with swearing in the duly elected councillors.

Additionally, the tribunal awarded N2 million in costs against BSIEC and the second respondent for their unlawful involvement, and ordered that the judgement be formally served on the governor to ensure full compliance.