2027: Former APC gubernatorial aspirant Byuan files Labour Party nomination papers and backs Tinubu for president

Mathias Byuan, former Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority in Abuja, has formally secured the Labour Party’s expression of interest and nomination forms to run for governor of Benue State in 2027.

Although he has joined the Labour Party, Byuan reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The candidate visited the Labour Party national secretariat on Friday together with other aspirants seeking tickets for Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats in Benue’s three senatorial districts.

After receiving the forms, Byuan told reporters that he will contest the governorship under the Labour Party banner but will continue to back President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the president has achieved significant progress through ongoing development projects nationwide, including several in Benue, and should be given another chance to finish them.

Byuan urged voters to support Tinubu for president while also backing Labour Party candidates in Benue for the 2027 elections.

He explained that his switch to the Labour Party was driven by a desire to address Benue’s insecurity and what he calls poor governance under the current administration.

Byuan accused the state government of failing to meet key obligations, such as paying workers’ salaries, which he said has led to industrial actions by health and local government staff.

He pledged that, if elected, his administration would focus on security, citizen welfare, and development of healthcare, education, housing, road infrastructure and rural areas.

A statement from his Special Adviser, Akange Nyagba, said that Labour Party stakeholders and supporters at the secretariat expressed confidence in Byuan’s ambition and promised their backing.

Byuan had previously sought the All Progressives Congress ticket for governor before defecting to the Labour Party.