By Abubakar Yunusa
The race for the 2027 Benue State governorship gathered momentum on Tuesday following the resignation of Mathias Byuan, triggering fresh debate within the All Progressives Congress over the credibility of its nomination process.
Byuan, until recently Executive Director, Housing Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, stepped down in compliance with a Federal Government directive mandating political appointees seeking elective office to resign.
His resignation is widely seen as a formal declaration of his intention to contest the Benue governorship on the platform of the APC.
Political observers said the development signals the start of what may become a keenly contested primary, as discussions intensify within the party over the mode of selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.
The development comes amid speculations that the APC leadership may grant automatic tickets to some first-term governors seeking re-election, a move that has raised concerns among stakeholders about adherence to internal democratic principles.
According to the party’s guidelines, governorship candidates are expected to emerge either through consensus or direct primaries, with analysts stressing that the interpretation of these provisions will shape outcomes in states such as Benue.
Supporters of Byuan described him as a longstanding party member with deep grassroots ties, noting that his resignation reflects both compliance with laid-down rules and readiness for a competitive process.
However, concerns persist within party circles that any attempt to impose candidates or sideline aspirants could erode confidence and spark internal disputes.
Stakeholders said the Benue governorship contest may serve as a litmus test for how the APC intends to manage its primaries nationwide, particularly in states with multiple aspirants.
As political activities gradually build towards 2027, attention remains on the APC’s next steps in Benue, with observers warning that the credibility of its internal processes could significantly affect party cohesion and electoral prospects.
With Byuan now officially in the race, analysts say the contest could test not only individual ambitions but also the strength of internal democracy within the ruling party.
