By Morgan Adikwu
In what can only be described as a dark day for democracy, the local government elections held on October 5, 2024, in Benue State have left a bitter taste in the mouths of the electorate. The elections, conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) under the leadership of its newly appointed Chairman, Mr. Richard Tombuwua, have been widely condemned by various media outlets, civil society groups, and political analysts as a complete sham.
May Seek Reconciliation After October 5th
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s obsession with controlling local government funds is at the heart of the current Benue APC crisis. His refusal to allow local governments to operate autonomously has sparked serious internal conflicts within the party.
Alia’s tight grip on local funds, fueled by recent increases in allocations after fuel subsidy removal, has sidelined grassroots development. This political battle has not only paralyzed local administration but also disrupted development projects meant to uplift communities.