Benue Governorship Aspirant Plans ‘Stomach Infrastructure Ministry’

A former executive director of Housing, Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority and a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Dr Mathias Byuan, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of two million votes from the state in the 2027 general elections.

Outlining his vision for the state, Byuan promised to prioritise security, improve the people’s welfare through what he described as a ‘stomach infrastructure’ ministry, and transform Benue from a largely civil service-driven economy into a viable commercial hub.

He also pledged inclusive governance that would benefit all segments of the state.

Byuan made the pledge at the weekend in Makurdi during the launch of the local chapters of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu (ABT) Support Group, under which he is championing the “Bucket Revolution” for Tinubu 2027.

Byuan said President Tinubu must be re-elected, citing what he described as transformative policies and projects that have positively impacted Benue State and the country at large.

Among the Tinubu’s projects he listed were the ongoing Buruku Bridge, the Wurukum overhead bridge in Makurdi, the dualisation of the Makurdi–Enugu Expressway and the appointment of Benue indigenes to key national positions.

According to Byuan, Tinubu holds Benue close to his heart and deserves the people’s overwhelming support in return.

“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.

Byuan alleged that despite substantial allocations from the federation account, Benue State has little to show for completed projects, while insecurity remains a major concern.

He said his decision to join the governorship race was driven by a desire to “rescue” the state from what he termed poor leadership and set it on a path of growth and development.

The APC state chairman loyal to secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), George Akume, Dr. Austin Agada, represented by the deputy state chairman, Benedict Aluga, commended Byuan for promoting unity within the party and mobilising support for its leadership.

In a goodwill message, Ambassador Philip Eche conveyed solidarity from Benue Zone C and expressed confidence in Byuan’s leadership capacity.

Also, the director-general of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu (ABT) Support Group, Dr Kaaulu Akerkpev, said the state stands to regain lost ground through Byuan’s candidature.