Women across the nine local government areas of Benue South Senatorial District, popularly known as Zone C, have unanimously adopted the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Benue State.

The endorsement came as the paramount ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Agaba-Idu, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, Och’Idoma V, bestowed royal blessings on the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Chief Mrs. Juliana Emowo Obetta, during a visit to his palace in Otukpo.

Obetta, a former Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area and grassroots mobiliser, was recently nominated as running mate to the Labour Party governorship candidate, Chief (Dr.) Mathias Terwase Byuan.

In recognition of her nomination, women from across Zone C, led by Princess Rebecca Adah, organised a civic reception in her honour in Otukpo, where they formally endorsed her candidacy and pledged their support for the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Receiving Obetta and her supporters at his palace, the Och’Idoma commended her decision to begin her political journey by seeking royal blessings, describing the gesture as one that attracts both divine and traditional support.

“I thank you for coming to the palace today. Before many Idoma people knew that you would emerge as the deputy governorship candidate, I had already heard about it. We thank God in everything because it is God who gives power,” the monarch said.

He urged politicians across party lines to maintain close ties with traditional institutions and respect constituted authorities.

“All politicians belong to the Och’Idoma. You may come from different places and have your biological fathers, but I urge you all to receive and support politicians irrespective of party affiliation. Anyone who honours his father will surely receive fatherly blessings,” he stated.

The royal father further assured Obetta of his blessings, noting that leadership positions ultimately come from God.

Speaking to journalists after the palace visit, Obetta said her visit was aimed at paying homage to the traditional ruler and seeking his blessings before formally commencing political activities ahead of the 2027 election.

“As a true daughter of Idoma land, I cannot start this journey without coming to pay homage to our royal father. If you step your feet on a land, the first place you go to is the royal palace to receive royal blessings. That is why we are here today,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the Och’Idoma and the Idoma Traditional Council for the warm reception accorded her, while also appreciating women across Zone C for organising the reception in her honour.

Obetta described the massive turnout of women and supporters as a reflection of growing enthusiasm for greater female participation in governance.

“The women are super happy because this is the first time they are getting such recognition. We want to sit at the table where decisions concerning the state are taken. We are only asking for 35 per cent affirmative action and an opportunity to contribute our quota to the development of Benue State,” she said.

She maintained that the 2027 election would be driven more by the credibility of candidates than party platforms and expressed confidence that women across Benue State would rally behind the Labour Party.

In her welcome address, the convener and women leader of Zone C, Princess Rebecca Adah, commended the leadership of the Labour Party in the state, particularly the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and party leader in Benue, Hon. Philip Agbese, for creating opportunities for women within the party.

“This nomination is not only a victory for Hon. Juliana Obetta but also a significant milestone for women across Benue State who have continued to contribute to the development of our state,” Adah said.

She assured Obetta of the unwavering support of women in the district and expressed confidence in her capacity to make meaningful contributions to governance if elected.

Also speaking, the Benue State Women Leader of the Labour Party, Mrs. Dorathy Kumachivir, called on women to demonstrate their numerical strength at the polls by voting massively for the Labour Party ticket of Dr. Mathias Byuan and Hon. Juliana Obetta.

“This is women’s time. On election day, we want polling units flooded with women. Hon. Juliana Obetta and Dr. Mathias Byuan have the capacity to transform Benue State and deliver meaningful development to the people,” she said.

The event drew large crowds of women, party supporters, community leaders and stakeholders from across Benue South, underscoring growing political mobilisation within the district ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.