The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has officially announced that eight political parties will participate in the local government election scheduled for October 5. This important announcement was made by Richard Tombowua, the chairman of BSIEC, during a press conference held on Thursday in Makurdi, the state capital.
In his address to journalists, Tombowua outlined the commission’s preparations to ensure that the election proceeds smoothly. He emphasized the importance of a well-organized electoral process, stating that the commission is dedicated to facilitating a fair and transparent election for all parties involved.
Tombowua revealed that while 14 political parties expressed interest in contesting the election, only eight have officially fielded candidates. The parties participating in the upcoming election include the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). This diverse group of parties reflects the political landscape in Benue State and gives voters multiple options.
He also shared that the Benue State House of Assembly has recently approved the budget necessary for conducting the election. The approved budget amounts to N6.64 billion, and the funds have been released to BSIEC to facilitate the electoral process. This financial backing is crucial for ensuring that all logistical needs are met.
In preparation for the election, Tombowua mentioned that the commission has purchased 21 vehicles to aid in the transportation of electoral materials and personnel. Additionally, payments for both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have been completed. “The commission has awarded contracts for the production of these materials, and some of them have already been received,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Tombowua detailed the timeline leading up to the election. He noted that various activities will begin on September 21 and continue until October 5, which is the election day.
These preparations include the training of ad hoc staff, set to start on September 26. This training is essential to ensure that all personnel involved in the election are well-prepared to perform their duties effectively and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
Overall, the BSIEC is committed to conducting a credible and efficient election that reflects the will of the people of Benue State. With the involvement of multiple political parties and adequate funding, the commission aims to facilitate a transparent election that will strengthen democracy at the local level. As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on the commission to ensure that the process is conducted fairly and without incident.
