Senator Abba Moro Condemns Benue Local Government Election, Vows Legal Action
Senator Abba Moro Condemns Benue Local Government Election, Vows Legal Action
By Matthew Eloyi
Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, has denounced the recent local government elections held in Benue State on October 5th, 2024, labeling the process a “sham” and accusing the state government of electoral malpractice. His remarks follow a statement from the office of the Deputy Governor, which defended the election’s credibility.
In a scathing response, Senator Moro criticized the state government for what he described as a “brazen defense of crass lawlessness,” accusing them of manipulating the election to favor candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He pointed to widespread allegations of ballot box stuffing and disenfranchisement across the state, backed by videos, pictures, and media reports.
“The Benue electorate watched how they were unapologetically denied the rights to vote their leaders,” Moro’s statement read. “Ballots were camped at the residences of APC leaders and thumb-printed for APC candidates.”
The senator further accused the government of misusing over N6 billion in public funds to stage an election that, according to him, never truly occurred. He expressed dismay at the state’s refusal to address the concerns raised by citizens, stating that the election was a “rape of democracy” and a violation of the people’s rights.
In his statement, Moro emphasized that his criticisms were not politically motivated, but rather a defense of the “downtrodden, vulnerable, and shortchanged” constituents of Benue. He pledged to challenge the results announced by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) in court, insisting that due process and democratic principles must be upheld.
“There was no election on Saturday,” Moro reiterated. “What happened was a slap on the faces of the disenfranchised Benue people.”
Senator Moro also addressed other grievances, including the state government’s handling of insecurity in Agatu, Apa, and Otukpo Local Government Areas, where communities have been attacked by invaders. He criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration for failing to address ongoing violence in the region and neglecting infrastructural development in Benue South.
The senator concluded by affirming his commitment to speaking out against any unconstitutional or unlawful acts, urging the state government to focus on delivering good governance instead of silencing critics.
Moro’s statement has sparked further debate about the transparency of the local government elections, with many waiting to see how the legal battle will unfold.
