The Commission

Establishment of the Commission

Section 197(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) stipulates that every State of the Federation shall establish a State Independent Electoral Commission to organise, conduct and supervise elections into its Local Government Councils. In pursuance of the foregoing constitutional provisions, Benue State Government established the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission in 2000 and the first Commission was inaugurated on 9th June, 2001 under the leadership of Hon. James Audu Ikye.

Laws Governing Conduct of Local Government Council Elections

The laws governing the operations of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission are:

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)
The Electoral Act 2020

Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment) Law 2012

Benue State Electoral (Amendment) Law No. 31, 2024
Benue State Local Government Law 2002 (as amended)
Guidelines and Manuals issued by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission to guide the Conduct of Local Government Council Elections from time to time.

Powers of the Commission

By section 5 of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2000 (as amended), the Commission shall have power;
(a) To appoint Electoral Officers for all the Local Government Councils in the State’
(b) To divide or dissolve the Local Government Areas into wards for the purposes of election into the Local Government Councils in the State;
(c) To formulate rules and guidelines for qualification and disqualification of any person as a Candidate for election as Chairman, Vice Chairman or Councillor for Local Governments in the State;
(d) To employ, remunerate and discipline its Staff;
(e) To enter into contracts; and
(f) To do such other things to the Commission, as may appear necessary for the effective discharge of its functions under this law.

The 6th Commission

The Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission Establishment Law appointed a Chairman, Six Commissioners and a Secretary for the Commission on 28th March, 2024. Those appointed and inaugurated included the following:

Barr. Richard Terlumun Tombowua – Chairman
Hon. Ishom Terhemen Genera – Commissioner 1
Hon. Theodore Iordye Uchi – Commissioner 2
Hon. Solomon Aikighe Deva – Commissioner 3
Hon. Isaac Edache – Commissioner 4
Hon Mrs Gloria – Commissioner 5
Hon Peter Baba Ogagbolo – Commissioner 6
Gisaor Vincent Iorja PhD, LLB – Secretary.