The Labour Party (LP) has officially unveiled former Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Council, Juliana Obetta, as its Deputy Governorship Candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections in Benue State.
Obetta was formally presented to party members in Makurdi by the Labour Party governorship candidate, Matthias Byuan, during a ceremony attended by party leaders and stakeholders.
Byuan, a former Executive Director (Finance and Accounts) of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), recently emerged as the party’s consensus governorship candidate following a statewide affirmation exercise held on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Byuan said Obetta’s nomination was a deliberate move to promote women’s participation in governance and strengthen inclusiveness in leadership.
“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,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the Labour Party would win the 2027 governorship election, outlining key policy priorities his administration intends to pursue if elected.
“When we take over the leadership of Benue State in 2027, we will create jobs by transforming the state from a civil service-driven economy to an industrialised one. We will introduce free education at all levels, tackle insecurity decisively, and overhaul all sectors to ensure Benue occupies its rightful place among the leading states in Nigeria,” he said.
Byuan explained that Obetta’s emergence followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders, adding that she was considered the most suitable candidate for the position.
Earlier in the event, the Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Chief Philip Agbese, described the Labour Party primaries as peaceful and transparent.
In her acceptance speech, Obetta dedicated her nomination to women across Benue State, describing it as a major step toward improving gender inclusion in governance.
“This nomination, I accept wholeheartedly, and I want to say to the women of Benue State that this nomination is for you,” she said.
She also pledged to work closely with the governorship candidate’s wife, Mrs. Matthias Byuan, to promote women’s interests and strengthen their participation in government.
In separate remarks, the Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Samuel Onuh, and the State Chairman of the Labour Party, William Okefe Ochonu, commended the party’s national leadership led by Senator Nenadi Usman for ensuring a smooth and credible primary process.
They said the exercise reflected unity within the party and confidence in its preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
