“Let’s Test Popularity,” Byuan Challenges Alia for Benue APC Ticket


By Aviashima Toom 

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Mathias Byuan, has declared that he will not step down for the incumbent governor, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Byuan made the declaration on Monday in Abuja shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to the party’s leadership. He reaffirmed his determination to contest the APC governorship ticket against Alia, whom he also faced during the party’s 2023 primaries.

His position comes amid ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Benue APC, where party leaders have reportedly pushed for the endorsement of all incumbent officeholders seeking re-election. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had earlier suggested that elected officials from the State Assembly to the National Assembly—should be supported to return alongside the governor.

However, Byuan dismissed the idea of an automatic ticket, insisting that the party must adhere to a transparent and competitive primary process.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, he said all aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity at the polls. “I have purchased the form, and both the governor and I will go to the field. Whoever is more popular should emerge,” he said.

The aspirant also urged the APC leadership to guarantee a level playing field, cautioning against any attempt to manipulate the primary process. He criticized the current administration in the state, alleging a lack of visible development projects over the past three years.

According to him, there has been little to showcase in terms of infrastructure or government achievements, adding that even the party’s national leadership has not been invited to commission projects in the state.

On his policy direction, Byuan said his administration would focus on repositioning Benue’s economy by shifting from a largely civil service-based structure to an industrial-driven one. He emphasized the need to create employment opportunities for young people and foster a more enabling environment for small businesses.

He added that his government would implement people-oriented economic and welfare programmes to ensure that residents benefit directly from the state’s resources.

Byuan expressed confidence in his chances at the primaries, maintaining that he would emerge victorious if the process is conducted fairly.

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