Benue LG Election Rescheduled To Hold In April

Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has disclosed that the commission will no longer conduct the local government elections at the earlier announced date of May 7, 2022.

The Chairman of BSIEC, Dr. Tersoo Loko, disclosed while briefing journalists on the activities of the commission for the conduct of the polls.

He disclosed that April 30, 2022 is the new date for the elections.

The BSIEC Boss explained that May 7 clashes with the general timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) bordering on preparations for the effective conduct of the 2023 general elections

Citing section 95 of the state electoral (Amended) 2012 law to justify the change, Dr. Loko explained that the law gives “the Commission the powers to abridge its timetable” which according to him fast track the process for the emergence of democratic leaders at the third tier of government.”

He denied the allegation that the sudden change of timetable would affect preparations by participants of the political parties because of the adequacy of the time the parties have to mobilise their members for the contests.

Expressing regret at the “inconvenience the date change might cause all the electorates and other critical stakeholders,” Dr Loko, however, presented the new timetable on the activities mostly affected.

They include the submission of names of polling agents by political parties on Monday, April 25, 2022 from 9.00a.m to 4.00p.m, termination of campaign, Thursday, April 28 2022 by midnight.

Others are election and declaration of results on Saturday, April 30, 2022, publication of results on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, re-run election if any on Thursday, May 5, 2022, and issuance of certificate on Friday, May 6, 2022.