Dr Mathias Byuan Joins Labour Party for Benue 2027 Election
Dr Mathias Byuan, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially joined the Labour Party (LP) to contest the 2027 governorship election in Benue State. He obtained the party's expression of interest and nomination forms at the LP national secretariat in Abuja on Friday, May 15, 2026, accompanied by supporters and other aspirants vying for legislative seats.
Byuan, who previously served as Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority in Abuja, described his move as a strategic shift to bring meaningful change to Benue State. He arrived with a delegation of supporters and candidates seeking tickets for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate across Benue's three senatorial districts.
Endorsement of President Tinubu
Despite defecting to the Labour Party, Byuan publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid for 2027. He stated that he remains committed to the President's Renewed Hope Agenda and believes Tinubu deserves a second term to complete ongoing projects and reforms, including those in Benue State.
"Though I am contesting under the Labour Party, my presidential candidate remains President Tinubu," Byuan said. He urged his supporters to vote for Tinubu in the presidential election while backing him and other LP candidates in Benue. He emphasised that political parties should be vehicles for public service, not barriers to collaboration.
Criticism of Governor Alia's Administration
Byuan strongly criticised the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing it of failing to address insecurity and neglecting workers' welfare. He claimed the state government struggles to pay salaries, leading to industrial actions by health and local government workers. Byuan promised to prioritise security, workers' welfare, healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure if elected governor.
"Let me call on Benue people to join hands with me in this rescue mission to salvage the state from insecurity and bad governance," he said. He also pledged improvements in roads, housing, and basic health facilities across rural communities.
Support from Party Loyalists
According to a statement by his special adviser, Akange Nyagba, party supporters at the LP secretariat expressed strong backing for Byuan's governorship ambition. They noted that the state has an opportunity to "get it right" in the next election cycle.
Related Political Developments
In a similar move, Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, resigned from the APC and defected to the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, announced his defection on the House floor on March 31, 2026. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas cited internal crises within the APC in Benue as the reason for Agbese's departure.
