Benue State is on edge as the governorship elections tribunal is set to deliver its judgment on the 2023 governorship elections today. The three-member panel led by Justice Ibrahim Karaye had adjourned the matter for judgment after final addresses by counsels.
Supporters of the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are tense. Members of both parties are worried about the outcome of the judgment.
The PDP candidate, Titus Uba, and the party filed a petition challenging the victory of Governor Hyacinth Alia of the APC in the March poll. They asked the tribunal to nullify the election, claiming that the candidates did not comply with the electoral law and submitted false documents to INEC.
The PDP camp is hopeful that the tribunal will rule in their favor, citing the strong evidence of wrongdoing they have presented against the APC candidates. Most supporters of Uba are upbeat and confident of winning the case, while many supporters of Gov Alia are optimistic that APC will have a favorable judgment.
Many members of the opposition PDP have arrived in the state capital hoping their party will win its case at the tribunal, while others are skeptical because of the power and influence of the ruling party. However, many APC stalwarts in the State believe their party will win the case as the evidence tendered by their opponent is weak.
The security agencies in the state have restricted vehicular traffic around the court where the judgment will be delivered. A security source indicated that arrangements will be expanded to check any breakdown of law and order.