The Benue State House of Assembly has passed an amendment to the Benue State Electoral Law 2012, extending the tenure of elected local government council leaders from two years to three years. The amendment also mandates only the Organizing Secretary of Political Parties to submit names of delegates and candidates for local government elections to the commission.
The new law provides for legal redress for aspirants who feel aggrieved by the selection or nomination process of candidates by political parties. However, it prohibits courts from stopping party processes, primaries, or local government elections.
According to Terver Zamber, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, the amendment aims to ensure a smooth electoral process and prevent unnecessary litigation. The law also grants the commission the power to abridge timelines for electoral processes as needed.
This development comes as the state prepares for local government elections, and the extended tenure is expected to provide stability and continuity in local governance.
