The opposition Labour Party (LP) has made history in Benue State with the unveiling of former Okpokwu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Juliana Obetta, as its Deputy Governorship Candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obetta was formally presented on Monday in Makurdi by the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Matthias Byuan, during a well-attended event that drew party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from across the state.

Dr. Byuan, a former Executive Director (Finance & Accounts) of the Federal Housing Authority, emerged as the Labour Party governorship candidate on Saturday through a statewide affirmation exercise, securing 231,124 votes from delegates across the 23 local government areas of the state.

The nomination of Obetta marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman to be selected as a deputy governorship candidate by any political party in Benue State.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Byuan said the choice of Obetta reflects a deliberate commitment by the Labour Party to deepen women’s participation in governance and promote inclusive 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, adding that his administration would prioritise economic transformation, job creation, free education at all levels, and decisive action against insecurity.

“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 added.

Dr. Byuan said Obetta’s emergence followed extensive consultations within the party, describing her as the most suitable choice for the position.

Also speaking, the Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, described the Labour Party primaries as peaceful and transparent, noting that the process reflected internal democracy.

“Our primaries were conducted without rancour, making them the best among all political parties in the state. The Labour Party is ready to take over leadership in Benue,” he said.

In her acceptance speech, Hon. Juliana Obetta dedicated her nomination to women across Benue State, describing it as a breakthrough for gender inclusion in politics.

“This nomination, I accept wholeheartedly, and I want to say to the women of Benue that this nomination is for you,” she said.

She lamented the limited inclusion of women in governance despite their numerical strength, arguing that women make up a significant portion of the electorate.

“Women constitute more than 80 percent of the voting population in the state, yet after elections they are often sidelined. This is the first time a political party in Benue is giving women this level of recognition. I will be a voice for women and ensure their concerns are heard,” she said.

Obetta, who served as the first female Chairman of Okpokwu LGA between 2012 and 2014, pledged to work closely with the wife of the governorship candidate, Mrs. Matthias Byuan, to advance women’s participation in governance and push for the implementation of the 35 percent affirmative action.

In separate remarks, the Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Hon. Samuel Onuh, and the state chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. William Okefe Ochonu, commended the party’s national leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman for the smooth conduct of the primaries and candidate selection process.

They said the emergence of Dr. Byuan and Hon. Obetta had strengthened the Labour Party’s position as a strong contender ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence in the party’s chances at the polls.