The Labour Party (LP) in Benue State has made history by nominating former Okpokwu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Juliana Obetta, as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 general election. This marks the first time a woman has secured a deputy governorship nomination from any political party in the state.
Historic Nomination Announced in Makurdi
The unveiling took place on Monday, June 1, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, during a gathering of party supporters and leaders. The LP governorship candidate, Dr. Matthias Byuan, presented Obetta as his running mate at the event. Party officials described the move as a milestone for women's political participation in a state where elective leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men.
LP Commits to Gender Inclusion
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Byuan said the decision to nominate Obetta was aimed at expanding women's representation in governance and promoting inclusive leadership. According to him, the party deliberately chose a woman to send a strong message about its commitment to gender equity.
"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," Byuan stated.
Byuan, a former executive director (Finance and Accounts) at the Federal Housing Authority, emerged as the party's governorship candidate through a statewide affirmation exercise held on Saturday, May 30. He reportedly secured 231,124 votes from delegates across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Byuan Outlines Economic Agenda for Benue
The LP governorship candidate used the occasion to outline his vision for Benue, promising job creation, industrial development, improved security, and free education if elected in 2027. He said his administration would seek to reduce the state's dependence on public sector employment by encouraging industrial growth and investment.
Byuan added that Obetta's selection followed consultations with party stakeholders across the state, who considered her the most suitable candidate for the position.
Obetta Dedicates Nomination to Benue Women
In her acceptance speech, Obetta described her nomination as a victory for women across Benue and pledged to advocate for greater female participation in governance. She noted that women make up a significant portion of the state's electorate but are often underrepresented in leadership positions after elections.
"This nomination is for the women of Benue," she said, promising to champion policies that would amplify women's voices in government.
Obetta, who served as the first female chairman of the Okpokwu Local Government Area between 2012 and 2014, also pledged to work towards achieving the 35% affirmative action target for women in public offices.
Party Leaders Express Confidence
Also speaking at the event, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Philip Agbese, praised the party's governorship primaries, describing them as peaceful and transparent. Agbese said the process had strengthened the party ahead of the 2027 election and called on residents to support its candidates.
Other party leaders, including Benue South senatorial candidate Samuel Onuh and state chairman William Okefe Ochonu, said the emergence of Byuan and Obetta had positioned the party as a strong contender in the next governorship race. They also commended the party's national leadership, led by Nenadi Usman, for overseeing the candidate selection process.
2027: Top Political Party Announces Female Presidential Candidate
In a related development, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has officially announced Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. This positions her as one of the contenders expected to face President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested race. The announcement was made during the party's presidential primary convention held in Abuja on Friday, May 29, where delegates gathered to finalise preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.
