From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Chairman of Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Barr Richard Tombowua, has disclosed that eight political parties have indicated interest in participating in the forthcoming October 5 local government elections in the state.
Tombowua who disclosed this during a press conference in his office on Thursday said the parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), African Action Congress (AAC) and Labour Party (LP).
Others include New Nigerian Peoples Party, (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The chairman stated that the commission is committed to holding a free, fair and credible election, adding that they have started receiving part of the over N6 billion approved by the state House of Assembly for the conduct of the election.
While stating that the commission has procured vehicles, he also noted that contracts have been given for the production of sensitive and non-sensitive materials.
The chairman, while also stating that Benue has 5102 polling units in the 276 Council Wards of the state, said a portal has been opened for the recruitment of ad hoc staff as arrangements have equally been made for the training of staff and ad hoc staff for the election.
While responding to speculations that a faction of the APC in the state may stop the election through a court injunction, the chairman said only God can stop the election from holding.
“There is nothing that will stop this election, aside from God because the latest amendment to the Electoral Law has prohibited Court interference from any activity leading to this election
“So whether you go to court, you have an injunction or not, it will not stop us from conducting this election going by the latest Benue State LG amended law.”
He urged the Benue people not to panic, as the commission would be working with all the security agencies in the state to ensure that the elections are conducted in a secure atmosphere.