The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has confirmed that it will conduct the local government elections on October 5, 2024, without using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). This decision was announced by BSIEC Chairman Richard Tombuwua at a press conference held at the commission’s headquarters in Makurdi.

Tombuwua stated that the BSIEC Law does not mandate the use of BVAS for local elections, assuring the public of free, fair, and credible elections across all 5,102 polling units in the 276 council wards of Benue State’s 23 local government areas. He added that the commission is fully equipped, having received 21 vehicles and other essential materials for the elections.

Eight political parties, including the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP, have fulfilled all necessary conditions and will field candidates in the polls. Additionally, BSIEC has begun recruiting adhoc staff through its portal, with training set to begin next week.

In response to legal challenges, Tombuwua asserted that nothing could halt the election except divine intervention, citing amendments to the Benue State Local Government law that protect the process from court interference. He assured the public that the commission is working with security agencies to ensure a peaceful election. Results for the chairmanship positions will be collated at the Local Government headquarters, while councillor results will be tabulated at the ward level.