The opposition Labour Party (LP) has made history in Benue State by unveiling former Okpokwu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Juliana Obetta, as its Deputy Governorship Candidate for the 2027 general elections. The formal presentation took place on Monday in Makurdi, led by the party's governorship candidate, Dr. Matthias Byuan, at an event attended by party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from across the state.
Historic Nomination
Dr. Byuan, a former Executive Director (Finance & Accounts) of the Federal Housing Authority, emerged as the Labour Party governorship candidate on Saturday through a statewide affirmation exercise, securing 231,124 votes from delegates across all 23 local government areas. The nomination of Obetta marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman selected as a deputy governorship candidate by any political party in Benue State.
Commitment to Women Inclusion
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Byuan emphasized that the choice of Obetta reflects a deliberate commitment by the Labour Party to deepen women's participation in governance and promote inclusive leadership. “This is the first time a woman will emerge as a deputy governorship candidate in Benue State. We are a party that believes women must have a voice in government,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the Labour Party would win the 2027 governorship election, outlining priorities such as economic transformation, job creation, free education at all levels, and decisive action against insecurity. “When we take over the leadership of Benue State in 2027, we will create jobs by transforming the state from a civil service-driven economy to an industrialized one. We will introduce free education at all levels, tackle insecurity decisively, and overhaul all sectors to ensure Benue occupies its rightful place among leading states in Nigeria,” he added.
Dr. Byuan noted that Obetta's emergence followed extensive consultations within the party, describing her as the most suitable choice for the position.
Support from Party Leaders
The Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, described the Labour Party primaries as peaceful and transparent, reflecting internal democracy. “Our primaries were conducted without rancour, making them the best among all political parties in the state. The Labour Party is ready to take over leadership in Benue,” he said.
Obetta's Acceptance Speech
In her acceptance speech, Hon. Juliana Obetta dedicated her nomination to women across Benue State, calling it a breakthrough for gender inclusion in politics. “This nomination, I accept wholeheartedly, and I want to say to the women of Benue that this nomination is for you,” she said.
She lamented the limited inclusion of women in governance despite their numerical strength, noting that women constitute more than 80 percent of the voting population in the state, yet are often sidelined after elections. “This is the first time a political party in Benue is giving women this level of recognition. I will be a voice for women and ensure their concerns are heard,” she stated.
Obetta, who served as the first female Chairman of Okpokwu LGA between 2012 and 2014, pledged to work closely with the wife of the governorship candidate, Mrs. Matthias Byuan, to advance women's participation in governance and push for the implementation of the 35 percent affirmative action.
Party Unity and Future Prospects
In separate remarks, the Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Hon. Samuel Onuh, and the state chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. William Okefe Ochonu, commended the party's national leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman for the smooth conduct of the primaries and candidate selection process. They said the emergence of Dr. Byuan and Hon. Obetta has strengthened the Labour Party's position as a strong contender ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence in the party's chances at the polls.
