Byuan’s Resignation Defining Moment For Benue APC Integrity – Akerkpev

The resignation of Dr Mathias Byuan has been described as a defining moment for the integrity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.

Dr Kaalu Akerkpev, in a press statement yesterday, said the development presents a crucial test of the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and respect for due process.

“The resignation of Dr Mathias Byuan is not a routine administrative step; it is a defining moment and a test case for democracy within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Following the directive from the Federal Government that all political appointees intending to contest in the forthcoming 2027 elections must resign, Dr Byuan, Executive Director, Housing Finance & Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), has complied accordingly.

“His resignation is not only in obedience to the presidential directive but also a clear declaration of his intention to contest for the governorship of Benue State. Beyond compliance, however, this action presents a moment of truth for the APC,” he said.

According to him, in recent times, strong rumours have circulated that, following intense lobbying by APC governors, the National Working Committee (NWC) and party leadership may be considering granting automatic tickets to all first-term governors seeking re-election.

“If true, such a move would directly contradict the party’s own published guidelines and timetable for the 2027 elections. Those guidelines are unambiguous. They provide two legitimate pathways for candidate emergence: consensus by members or direct primaries.”

He added that it must be clearly understood that consensus, as provided for in the party’s framework, is not a decision imposed from above, noting that it is not the prerogative of the NWC or party executives.

“It is the collective will of party members at the grassroots, the wards, local governments, and the state. It does not extend beyond these levels. Anything outside this process is not consensus; it is imposition.

“It is within this context that the resignation of Dr Mathias Byuan assumes greater significance. As a longstanding member of the party and one who has contributed to building its structure in Benue State, his aspiration represents more than personal ambition; it represents the democratic right of party members to freely choose their candidates,” he added.