The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal has nullified the election of Dennis Guda as Chairman of Vandekiya Local Government Area.
In its ruling, the tribunal condemned the disobedience of court orders by Justices Igoche and Kume, describing their actions as a gross affront to judicial authority.
The tribunal further declared the involvement of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) in the matter as meddlesome, labeling the commission a meddlesome interloper with no legal standing to interfere in party affairs.
It held that all actions taken by the government-appointed Caretaker Committee were null and void, affirming that only candidates produced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of Austin Agada were lawfully recognized.
The tribunal directed Governor Hyacinth Alia to swear in the legitimate chairman within 14 days. In the event of non-compliance, the Chief Judge of Benue State is to appoint any High Court judge to conduct the swearing-in.
Once inaugurated, the chairman is expected to swear in the duly elected councillors.
The tribunal awarded N2 million in costs against BSIEC and the second respondent for their unlawful roles in the matter, and ordered that the judgement be formally served on the governor to ensure full compliance.
