The local government election held in Benue State has been lauded as the freest and fairest in recent history, with a smooth and peaceful process reported across several polling units. In Kanshio, Makurdi, voters conducted themselves in an orderly manner, with election materials arriving on time and accreditation completed efficiently.
The secret ballot system was followed strictly, and there were no reports of harassment, marking a significant improvement from previous elections where irregularities were common.
At the Kanshio polling unit, the atmosphere was vibrant as voters chanted "YES FATHER" in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC), largely due to their admiration for Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Despite frustrations over rising prices, fuel hikes, and increased school fees following the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, many voters remained loyal to the APC, crediting Fr. Alia for their continued support.
However, at the Awajir main polling unit, the situation was less ideal. While the voting process remained peaceful, there were no result sheets available, and votes were not counted. Electoral officers reportedly packed up and left without recording anything, leaving voters confused and frustrated. Additionally, voter turnout at Awajir was notably low, adding to concerns about the transparency and completeness of the election process at that location.
Though the election was largely hailed as a significant step forward for Benue State, the discrepancies at Awajir highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring that all votes are properly recorded and counted, raising questions about the integrity of the final results in certain areas.