The governorship elections tribunal is poised to issue its decision on the 2023 governorship elections in Benue today, raising tensions in the state.
Remember that the three-member panel chaired by Justice Ibrahim Karaye had already deferred the case for decision following final arguments by counsel.
The conflict exists between supporters and members of the state’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Anxiety has already gripped the state, with members of the two major political parties concerned about the verdict.
It will be recalled that the PDP’s candidate, Titus Uba, and the party filed a petition challenging the APC’s Governor Hyacinth Alia’s victory in the March election.
They petitioned the tribunal to declare the election null and void, stating that the candidates violated electoral law and presented fake documents to INEC.
There is considerable optimism within the opposition PDP camp, as they are confident that the tribunal will rule in their favor because to the significant evidence of misconduct presented against the ruling APC candidates.
On Friday in Makurdi, it was learned that most followers of Uba were upbeat and certain of winning the case, but many supporters of Gov Alia were optimistic that the APC would prevail.
Many members of the opposition PDP have come in the state capital, expecting that their party will win its case at the tribunal, while others are skeptical due to the ruling party’s reach and incumbent privileges in the state.
However, many APC supporters in the state feel their party would win the case at the tribunal because their opponent’s proof is poor.
The state’s security forces have limited vehicular traffic surrounding the court where the verdict will be delivered.
According to a security source, plans will be enhanced to prevent a collapse in law and order.