The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has officially declared its readiness to conduct the 2027 general election in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria, revealing that 592 candidates will compete for 52 elective positions across the state.
Speaking at a key stakeholders’ meeting at the Commission’s State Collation Centre in Makurdi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Aminu Idris, provided a comprehensive update on candidate nominations, tech readiness, and logistics deployment adding that the State has a total of 3,057,225 registered voters rated number 8 out of the top 10 in the country.
Political momentum is gathering in Benue State as the electoral umpire locks in crucial milestones ahead of the 2027 general election.
During a high-level briefing with representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, and media executives in Makurdi, Idris disclosed that 592 candidates have been cleared to run for 52 positions.
A breakdown of the numbers shows 13 candidates vying for the governorship seat, while 40 candidates are competing across three senatorial districts.
A total of 118 candidates will battle for 11 House of Representatives seats with Otukpo-Ohimini recording the highest contestation at 15 candidates.
Meanwhile, a massive field of 422 candidates are jostling for seats in the 37 State House of Assembly constituencies.
INEC attributed the expansion of state seats from 32 to 37 to recent judicial rulings restoring five previously suppressed constituencies in Ukum, Konshisha, Gboko, Makurdi, and Buruku.
Turning to election integrity and technology, INEC reported a 98% functionality rate for its physical inventory of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS devices.
Out of 5,381 BVAS units physically inspected, 5,277 have been verified fully operational and ready for deployment across the state’s 5,102 polling units.
Benue State’s voter demographic now stands at over three million registered voters spread across 276 registration wards and 23 local government areas.
Logistical preparation is already underway, with non-sensitive materials being dispatched to area offices, following the conclusion of claims, objections, and the collection of over 58,000 Permanent Voter Cards.
INEC has urged political parties to accelerate the selection and training of their polling unit agents, while reminding civil society groups to ensure all field observers are properly accredited before the election window opens.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
