By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparedness and modalities for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s State Working Committee, led by its chairman, Mr.Ezekiel Adaji, gave the commendation on Tuesday during a familiarisation visit to the Benue State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Aminu Idris, at the commission’s state office.
Adaji praised the REC, management and staff of INEC in the state for their professionalism in handling electoral matters.
In a statement, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr Bright Antyo, identified the credibility of the voters’ register, timely release of electoral guidelines and the commission’s openness to political parties as encouraging signs of its preparedness to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
The PDP chairman expressed confidence in the party’s candidates and said he was optimistic that INEC would conduct an election in which every vote would count.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and sustained collaboration with the electoral umpire to strengthen democratic practice in the state.
Responding, Idris thanked the PDP leadership for the visit and assured the delegation that INEC would remain impartial and committed to conducting credible elections.
He said the commission would provide a level playing field for all political parties in Benue State, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The REC urged political leaders and other stakeholders to promote peace, discourage violence and encourage their supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to participate fully in the electoral process.
He reiterated that INEC’s allegiance was to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022, rather than to any political party.
In his remarks, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Benue State, Mr Shikfu Sim Bewaran, commended the PDP for the visit, describing the party as well organised.
He said the PDP was the first political party in the state to visit the commission and urged its leadership to sustain peaceful conduct in all party activities.
