Mathias Byuan, a former governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, has taken a significant political step by purchasing the expression of interest and nomination forms from the Labour Party to contest the 2027 governorship election. The move signals a strategic shift in his political journey, as he aims to lead Benue State under a different party banner.
In a surprising twist, Byuan has publicly declared his continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, despite joining the Labour Party. He made this known during an event at the Labour Party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where he and other aspirants from Benue State collected their nomination papers for various positions, including Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats.
Speaking to journalists, Byuan emphasized his belief in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, praising the president’s developmental projects across Nigeria, particularly those in Benue. He argued that Tinubu deserves a second term to complete the initiatives he has started, and he urged his supporters to vote for the president while backing Labour Party candidates in the state.
Byuan’s decision to run on the Labour Party platform stems from his frustration with the current state of governance in Benue, which he described as plagued by insecurity and poor leadership. He criticized the state government for failing to pay workers’ salaries, leading to strikes by health and local government employees. He vowed that if elected governor, his administration would prioritize security, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, housing, roads, and rural development.
The former Executive Director of Housing, Finance, and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, had initially sought the APC ticket for governor before defecting to the Labour Party. A statement from his Special Adviser, Akange Nyagba, noted that party stakeholders at the Labour Party secretariat expressed confidence in Byuan’s ambition and assured him of their support.