Dr Mathias Byuan, a governorship aspirant on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform in Benue State, has expressed deep concern over the state’s underdevelopment despite receiving substantial federal allocations. Speaking in Makurdi at the launch of local chapters of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu (ABT) Support Group, Byuan said his decision to contest the governorship was motivated by a desire to address what he described as years of poor leadership and restore progress to the state.
Byuan, who is also championing the “Bucket Revolution” for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, pledged to deliver no fewer than two million votes from Benue. He cited what he termed transformative national policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as justification for his re-election bid.
“I am a beneficiary of President Tinubu’s goodwill to Benue people, but I chose to resign my position to answer the call of my people who are in dire need of purposeful leadership,” Byuan said. He outlined his vision for the state, which includes prioritising security, establishing a “stomach infrastructure” ministry to improve citizens’ welfare, and transitioning Benue from a civil service-dependent economy to a commercial hub. He also promised inclusive governance that would accommodate all segments of the population.
The APC State Chairman, Dr Austin Agada, represented by Deputy State Chairman Benedict Aluga, commended Byuan for promoting party unity and mobilising grassroots support. Ambassador Philip Eche, speaking on behalf of Zone C, expressed confidence in Byuan’s leadership capacity. The Director-General of the ABT Support Group, Dr Kaaulu Akerkpev, said Benue stands to regain lost ground through Byuan’s candidacy.
APC chieftain Chief Jime Akaaka described Byuan as a credible solution to the state’s challenges and urged voters to back what he called the “Benue Rescue Mission.”
