01/06/2026
*LABOUR PARTY CONDUCTS ITS PARTY PRIMARIES AND AFFIRMATION EXERCISE, PRODUCES BYUAN, AGBESE, LIGOM, ONU, GBANWUAN, TILLEY-GYADO OTHERS AS CANDIDATES IN BENUE STATE*
*1 JUNE, 2026*
Labour party in Benue State has successfully conducted its party primary elections and affirmation exercise of Gubernatorial, Senatorial, House of Representative and House of Assembly seats across the state in the 23 Local Government area Councils and 276 council wards of Benue State on the 30th of May, 2026 which culminated in a resounding success, marking a vibrant demonstration of democratic engagement and internal party unity.
The exercise was efficiently monitored by INEC, the Police, DSS and other security agencies and conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC regulations and party guidelines.
The exercise registered a massive turnout across the 276 wards of Benue State, a participation higher than projected, reflecting the party's popularity and impactful presence in the state with a remarkable strong voter interest and enthusiasm for the upcoming general election.
The party held primaries in Buruku, Oju and Konshisha Local Government Councils which had contestants testing their popularity within their constituencies for the House of representative and the State Houses of Assembly of Gaav and Oju II respectively.
The election process ran seamlessly, thanks to the meticulous planning, dedication and the proactive nature of the State Working Committee, the Local Government Executives, the Electoral Committees, INEC, Security Agencies, Party Stakeholders and members in coordinating a flawless exercise, ensuring a rancour free, non violent, fair, credible and efficient experience for all.
The successful primaries and affirmative exercise produced very vibrant and quintessential candidates and they are as follows;
GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE
Mathias Terwase Byuan, PhD
SENATORIAL CANDIDATES
1. Iyorwuese Ligom _ Zone A
2. Richard Gbamwuan _ Zone B
3. Onuh Samuel Odoh _ Zone C
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ZONE A
1. Terhemen Tilley-Gyado _ Konshisha/Vandeikya Federal Constituency
2. Apev John Mson _ Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency
3. Anshura Dennis _ Logo/Katsina_Ala/Ukum Federal Constituency
ZONE B
1. Fidelis Audu _ Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency
2. Tyopie Gideon Bem _ Gboko/Terkaa Federal Constituency
3. Luper Dim _ Gwer/Gwer West Federal Constituency
4. Madza Msughter _ Buruku Federal Constituency
ZONE C
1. Philip Agbese _ Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency
2. Blessed Emmanuel Onah _ Obi/Oju Federal Constituency
3. Kenneth Ehoche _ Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency
4. Adamu Hassan _ Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency
STATE ASSEMBLY
ZONE A
1. Ternege Charity _ Tiev (Vandeikya) State Constituency
2. Esther Atema Tsee _ Kyan State Constituency
3. Tyotsume Msugh _ Gaav (Konshisha) State Constituency
4. Dyako Terhide Sylvester _ Konshisha 2 State Constituency
5. Julius Ahobee _ Kwande East State Constituency
6. Terdoo Apine _ Kwande West State Constituency
7. Lanshima Joseph Mata (Ushongo) State Constituency
8. Jacob Aondofa Orya _ Mbagwa ( Ushongo) State Constituency
9. Kondom Francis Ivo _ katsina_Ala East State Constituency
10. Ibiashina Terkula _ Katsina_Ala West State Constituency
11. Kaaondo Atuluku Ukum 1 State Constituency
12. Luper Anakaa _ Ukum2 State Constituency
13. Agah Titus _ Logo State Constituency
ZONE B
1. Francis Ikyura _ Gboko State Constituency
2. Abraham Ngulunga _ Gboko West State Constituency
3. Apav Terhemen _ Buruku1 State Constituency
4. Akaa Tertseagh Stephen _ Buruku 2 State Constituency
5. Aondover Lawrence Utsaha Guma 1 State Constituency
6. Isaac Mbanongun Kwanum _ Guman 2 State Constituency
7. Kelvin Ahangba _ Makurdi Southwest State Constituency
8. Abeen Francis Aernyam _ Makurdi Southeast State Constituency
9. Lawrence Yange _ Makurdi North State Constituency
10. Richard Kaakyenge _ Gwer West State Constituency
11. Vitalis Hwande _ Gwer East State Constituency
12. Torouga Charles Vaseer _ Tarkaa State Constituency
ZONE C
1. Ojoko Nathaniel Ogaragbo _ Ado State Constituency
2. Agbo Dominic Oche _ Okpokwu State Constituency
3. Okewu Peter Adakole _ Ogbadibo State Constituency
4. Ikpa Isaac Lawrence _ Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency
5. Nart Jimmy Ogoh Adoka/Ugboju State Constituency
6. Agbo Moses Okopi _ Ohimini State Constituency
7. Agada David _ Obi State Constituency
8. Agida Clement Ajiga _ Oju 1 State Constituency
9. Odayiko Emmanuel Ikape _ Oju 2 State Constituency
10. Idoko Ene Mercy _ Apa State Constituency
11. Abu Baba _ Agatu State Constituency
Despite the spirited competition, candidates demonstrated a commitment to party unity, following the conclusion of the primaries, the aspirants pledged their full support for each other and the growth and stabilization of the party, setting the stage for a strong and cohesive campaign in the general election.
Labour Party in Benue State is undoubtedly rejuvenated and strategically positioned as a party to beat in the forthcoming general elections come next year.
The party calls on its numerous members and massive supporters to gear up in full preparation to achieve success in 2027.
The exercise which was generally cordial and peaceful, showcased the party's strength, vision and dedication, amplifying unity, growth and service.
*Iyorhe Ephraim Shagba*
_State Publicity Secretary_
Labour Party
