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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has commended the Benue State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal for what it described as a courageous and well-reasoned verdict upholding the October 5, 2024 elections that produced council chairmen and councillors across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.

In a statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, the coalition of registered political parties hailed the tribunal’s dismissal of all petitions as a victory for the rule of law, electoral integrity, and democratic governance at the grassroots.

“The tribunal’s judgment is a shining example of judicial independence and a crucial step in reinforcing faith in our democratic institutions,” Ezema stated. “We are proud of Justices D.M. Igyuse, M. Ugar, and I. Mohammed for standing firm in defense of the law and justice.”

The Benue Appeal Tribunal, in coordinated judgments across the three senatorial zones, rejected all petitions primarily filed by aggrieved aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who alleged wrongful exclusion from the elections. Justice Michael Ugar, delivering judgment for Zone A, held that the petitioners “failed to prove they were first validly nominated,” adding that their exclusion claims were unsubstantiated and “bound to fail.”

For Zone B, Justice I. Mohammed reinforced the tribunal’s limited jurisdiction, stating, “The issue of nomination of a candidate is within the domestic affairs of a political party and cannot be litigated at the trial tribunal or this appeal tribunal.” He further noted that the tribunal was not meant to “supervise academic issues,” reaffirming the earlier decision of the lower court.

In Zone C, Justice Dennis Igyuse described the petitions as a “reckless display of academic prowess without, of course, a destination,” dismissing all consolidated petitions and confirming the legitimacy of the election and return of the winners.

The CNPP praised these declarations, noting that they serve as a deterrent against frivolous petitions that distract from governance and clog the legal system.

“Justice is the foundation of peace, and when the courts deliver fair and firm judgments like this, they restore confidence in the system,” said Ezema. “We call on courts across the country to emulate this example and remain unwavering in the pursuit of justice, particularly in election-related matters where public trust is most vulnerable.”

The group further congratulated the elected council officials and urged them to remain committed to people-centered leadership, while also extending appreciation to the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) and legal teams involved in defending the integrity of the process.

“This judgment is not just about Benue—it sends a powerful message nationwide that elections should be won at the ballot box and defended through credible evidence, not through baseless courtroom maneuvers,” the CNPP added.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with electoral controversies and judicial bottlenecks, the CNPP reaffirmed its stance that the judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man and the strongest pillar of democratic peace.