Alia has no power to suspend election —Benue APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, on Sunday, declared that the state governor, Rev Father Hyacinth Alia has no power to suspend election conducted and winner announced.

Speaking on Saturday’s party primary that the governor suspended, the state party publicity secretary, Daniel Ihomun held that the electoral act was clear on the matter.

Ihomun declared emphatically  that the governor had no power to suspend the delegate election.

Ihomun also debunked the governor’s claims, submitting that the primary was free and fair with the winner announced.

Ihomun said, “The  primary was peaceful and devoid of rancour; the winner was declared by the chairman of the election, Professor Kabiru Ibrahim.

“He (the governor)  cannot suspend the election that has been conducted and a winner declared. Does  he have the power to suspend election? I don’t think so because the electoral act is clear on the matter.

“If anybody has petition, such person can approach the appeal panel.”

It would be recalled that the state APC had on Saturday conducted its primary to fill the vacant position of Guma 1 state constituency ahead of the election  fixed for February.

After the election, Terwase Uche  scored 25 votes against Maurice Orwough who polled three votes, while one vote was declared invalid.

However, the governor announced suspension of the primary, citing alleged irregularities and security issues.

Announcing the suspension, the governor said, “This day, the APC is to conduct primary but it was marred by misconduct and this poses insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the ire youth,   party stakeholders who felt disenchanted. I would not want the effort of our security to go to waste. We do not want any semblance of insecurity in the State.

“I suspend the delegate primary.  Sad enough,  the party faithful  came out but were stopped at the gate by people who did not belong to the local government.”

“All stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry, party faithful must help keep the peace in the State.”