Ochigbo Mathew emerges NDP governorship candidate for Benue 2027

An Idoma-born politician and philanthropist, Hon. Ochigbo Mathew, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for the 2027 election in Benue State.

Mathew was returned unopposed during the party’s governorship primary held on Thursday in Makurdi, the state capital, where delegates unanimously endorsed him as the NDP flagbearer.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Mathew described the endorsement as a responsibility to serve the people of Benue and pledged to pursue policies that would promote inclusive governance, economic growth and social cohesion across the state.

“This is not about me. It is about the people of Benue and the need for leadership that is responsive to their aspirations and committed to grassroots development,” he said.

Party leaders and stakeholders at the primary commended Mathew’s contributions to community development and philanthropy, particularly in Ogbadibo Local Government Area and other parts of Idoma land. They said his emergence reflected the confidence of party members in his leadership capacity and ability to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 election.

A party stakeholder, Ambassador Emama Ikwue, expressed confidence in Mathew’s candidature, saying his experience in human capital development and community service would help foster unity and strengthen relations among the various ethnic groups in the state.

According to him, Mathew possesses the qualities needed to bridge existing divides and provide purposeful leadership for Benue.