The Labour Party has officially presented Mathias Byuan as its governorship candidate and Mrs Julie Obeta as his running mate for the forthcoming general elections in Benue State.
The announcement was made on Monday at the party secretariat along Otukpo Road in Makurdi shortly after internal consultations with key stakeholders across the state.
Speaking at the event, Byuan said the decision to pick Obeta as his deputy followed wide consultations and a unanimous agreement within the party structure.
“We consulted extensively across the state and stakeholders unanimously agreed on Mrs Julie Obeta, who, by the grace of God, will become the first female deputy governor of Benue State in 2027,” he said.
He described the ticket as a strategic step by the Labour Party to promote inclusion and strengthen women’s participation in governance.
According to him, the party is committed to repositioning Benue State’s economy and improving the welfare of citizens if elected.
Obeta’s nomination is notable as she becomes the first woman to be presented as a deputy governorship candidate under the Labour Party in Benue State.
The party also said her emergence aligns with its broader agenda of expanding political space for women ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obeta brings political experience to the ticket, having served on Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign team and as Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area between 2012 and 2015.
She was also appointed as a special assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2023 but declined the appointment.