Chief Chike Udenze, the Chairman, Ward Congress Electoral Panel in charge of Benue, said the panel had received 32 petitions from individuals while 822 delegates were elected in 274 wards in the state during Saturday’s primaries.

Udenze said this at a news conference in Makurdi on Tuesday.

He, however, said that in spite of the minor challenges, the delegates election was peacefully conducted in the state.

Udenze said that the petitions were already handed over to the Umar Nandada-led appeal panel in charge of Benue for necessary action.

“Before our arrival on Saturday, there was serious tension in the state that the materials meant for the conduct of the ward congresses in Benue were hijacked by some individuals.

“So the first thing the panel did was to educate the stakeholders about the real situation on ground, that we were in possession of all the materials meant for the conduct of the ward congress.

“They all saw reasons with us and we commenced the exercise late on Saturday. Despite the early challenges, we had free and fair congress throughout the state.

“The only places we had some delays were in Konshsisha where the election was conducted yesterday (Monday); we also had minor issues in Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu local government areas,” Udenze said.

He said that the panel had provided a level playing ground for all interested parties as all petitions were submitted to the Ward Congress Appeal.

Udenze said that the panel had already begun sitting on the petitions.