Politics
Benue LG Poll Controversy: Governor Alia Responds to Allegations of Ballot Tampering
Governor Hyacinth Alia has strongly discredited a viral video circulating on social media, which claimed to show members of the Benue All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in mass thumbprinting of ballots during the recent Local Government elections. He characterized the footage as a “stage-managed drama” aimed at tarnishing the integrity of the election process.
In an official statement released Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia asserted that the October 5, 2024, Local Government election was the most transparent in the state’s history. He expressed concern over the use of the video to undermine the credibility of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
> “This video, which has been used to ridicule our administration, is nothing more than an unfortunate attempt by desperate individuals to score cheap political points,” stated Alia. “Upon thorough review, it is clear that this content is fabricated to discredit our efforts.”
The governor emphasized that prior to the elections, intelligence reports indicated that some opposition groups were planning to create disinformation to disrupt the electoral process. He highlighted that this election marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in years that voters in Benue had access to ballot papers for local government elections.
Governor Alia noted, “For the first time since the resurgence of democracy in Nigeria, BSIEC meticulously trained all ad-hoc staff for the polls. This achievement should be celebrated rather than tarnished.”
He urged journalists and media outlets, particularly Arise TV, which aired the controversial video, to adhere to ethical journalism standards and verify facts before broadcasting.
> “As the light of society, it is crucial to cross-check facts and avoid being swayed by mere spectacle,” he added. “We remain committed to transparency and accountability in governance and will not be deterred by attempts to mislead the public.”
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Chairman, Policy Manifesto Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, says former president Muhammadu Buhari gave him the shock of his life, six months into his administration as Nigeria’s leader.
Oyegun made this disclosure on Friday when he featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.
He revealed that as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he went to tell Buhari that he was not delivering his election promises to Nigerians but that the late president told him he would not rule with strictness, but rather wanted to show Nigerians that he is a true civilian president.
The former APC National Chairman lamented that it became business as usual, from there.
“I was national chairman of the APC. Six months or less into our assuming office, fairly alarmed, I went to the late President Buhari for a one-on-one talk. I said Mr President, this is not what the people were expecting. They wanted a bit of the old president Buhari.
“And he explained to me, Mr Chairman, I have learned my lesson. I was shocked. And don’t forget at that time, a lot of prominent Nigerians took their holidays abroad, just to be sure and see what this new sheriff in town will be.
“Buhari told me he wants to now show the people that he’s a true civilian president in Agbada. And by the time we finished the conversation, I said Oh God, we are finished. Because, if he’s not ready to be strict, what’s the point?
“Weeks later, months later, years later, I was proven correct. And of course, it became business as usual, only that they are a new set of tenants in Aso Rock. That was a shocker,” he said.
Former lawmaker, Dino Melaye Esq, has raised concerns over the Senate’s reported rejection of the electronic transmission of election results.
The move, according to Melaye, is a clear endorsement of election rigging and an indication of a sinister plan to rig the 2027 elections.
In a statement on Friday, the former lawmaker criticized the Senate’s decision, stating that it undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC chieftain, also stated that the move opens the door for electoral manipulation and fraud.
He further warned that the rejection of electronic transmission of results is a step backwards for democracy in Nigeria.
Melaye called on lawmakers and citizens to stand up against “this blatant attempt to undermine the will of the people and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent”.
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has said Nigerians have every reason to be mad at the Senate over the ongoing debate on e-transmission of election results.
Ezekwesili made this known on Friday when she featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ monitored by DAILY POST.
DAILY POST reports that the Senate on Wednesday turned down a proposed change to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Amendment Bill that aimed to compel the electronic transmission of election results.
Reacting to the matter, Ezekwesili said, “The fundamental issue with the review of the Electoral Act is that the Senate retained the INEC 2022 Act, Section 60 Sub 5.
“This section became infamous for the loophole it provided INEC, causing Nigerians to lose trust. Since the law established that it wasn’t mandatory for INEC to transmit electoral results in real-time, there wasn’t much anyone could say.
“Citizens embraced the opportunity to reform the INEC Act, aiming to address ambiguity and discretionary opportunities for INEC. Yet, the Senate handled it with a “let sleeping dogs lie” approach. The citizens have every reason to be as outraged as they currently are.”
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