The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State, Oche Sunday, has rejected the judgment delivered by the Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal sitting at the NBA House, Abuja.
Recall that the tribunal on Monday nullified the election of Oche and declared Elias Ogbu as the duly elected chairman of the council.
Reacting to the ruling on Monday, Oche described the tribunal’s decision as unjust and unfair, insisting it amounted to a denial of the mandate freely given to him by the people of Ado Local Government during the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication, Aluma Moses, the council chairman maintained that he remains the duly elected chairman of Ado Local Government and vowed to challenge the verdict at the appellate court.
“I am not deterred by the judgment delivered today. I believe in the judiciary, and I am confident that the appeals tribunal will serve justice and uphold the sacred mandate given to me by the good people of Ado Local Government,”; Oche stated.
He called on residents of Ado Local Government to remain calm and united, urging them to continue their support for his administration as the legal process takes its course.
“I deeply appreciate the unwavering support of our people and assure them that this temporary setback will not stand. We will reclaim our mandate,”; he added.
