Benue 2027: Fear grips ‘Yes Father’s camp’ as Byuan vows not to step down for Alia

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Mathias Byuan, has declared his readiness to challenge incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Byuan, who was Alia’s main rival for the APC governorship ticket in 2023, made the declaration on Monday in Abuja after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to party leaders.

The former Executive Director (Housing Finance and Accounts) at the Federal Housing Authority spoke against the backdrop of a reconciliation move within the Benue APC, which seeks to back the governor and other elected officials for a second term.

At the meeting, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was quoted as saying all officials elected on the APC platform—from the State Assembly to the National Assembly—should be returned alongside the governor.

Despite the position, Byuan insisted that the party’s candidate must emerge through a credible and competitive primary.

He argued that while reconciliation efforts are commendable, the provisions of the Electoral Act require aspirants to test their popularity at the polls.

“If he is popular, let him win. If I am popular, I will win,” Byuan said, adding that both he and the governor should face party members in a fair contest.

He also urged the party’s National Working Committee to ensure transparency in the primary process, warning against any attempt to manipulate electoral materials.

Byuan criticised the Alia administration, alleging a lack of tangible projects in the state over the past three years, and expressed confidence in his chances.

On his policy direction, he said his administration would prioritise industrialisation and youth employment, aiming to shift Benue from a civil service-driven economy to a more productive, enterprise-based one.

He pledged to create opportunities for young people through business-friendly policies and better utilisation of state resources, stressing that public funds must be used to improve livelihoods across the state.