BSIEC Announces Election Date for Benue State Local Government Areas

The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has set July 6, 2023, as the date for elections into the councils of all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

This announcement was made by the BSIEC Chairman, John Chen, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the state capital, where action plans and activities for the election were unveiled.

Chen stated that the elections would cover the positions of chairmen and councilors in the local government councils and council wards, including those in newly created council wards in the state.

He mentioned that the decision to conduct the elections followed the governor’s directive for the commission to commence the processes promptly, ensuring that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.

“We are here to unveil the official election timetable and schedule of activities for the upcoming Local Government Council elections in Benue State.

This comprehensive document outlines the critical milestones the BSIEC will undertake to ensure a free and fair electoral process,” Chen stated.

He also emphasized the commission’s commitment to avoiding fraudulent practices, stating, “This commission will not organize voodoo or sham elections.

We know the dangers of organizing sham elections which only lead to the enthronement of mediocre and people of dubious acceptability into positions of leadership, ultimately leading to dismal governance.”

Additionally, Chen announced the BSIEC’s intention to create additional council wards within Benue State to accommodate the growth in demography, social, political, and economic activities at the grassroots level.

He believes that these additional wards will ensure more equitable representation and bring governance and the dividends of democracy closer to the people.