Nigeria: Benue - Byuan, Akutah Eyeing Alia's Seat Weigh Options Before Resignation

Strong indications emerged that Executive Director, Housing Finance and Accounts of the Federal Housing Authority, Mathias Byuan, Executive Secretary Nigerian Shippers' Council, Pius Akutah, among other appointees, have started weighing options before tendering their resignation letters to contest for the 2027 Benue governorship election against Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Byuan hails from Konshisha local government area, while Akutah, from Ushongo local government area, both in the Jechira and Kwande intermediate areas of the state, are contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and are loyalists of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Our correspondent gathered that the two appointees were consulting key stakeholders, including Akume, for direction and endorsement before resigning in compliance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive that all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections should resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

However, supporters of Byuan and Akutah said they expect one of the two frontline gubernatorial aspirants, who are President Tinubu's appointees, to step down to avoid all of them resigning to pursue a governorship seat; the incumbent governor, Alia, is also seeking re-election.

One of the supporters, Teryila Targba, said, "Byuan and Akutah are all qualified to be the governor of Benue State, but the two appointees should discuss among themselves, and one should step down for the other. We don't want to miss the two offices at the Federal level. At least one should stay and allow one to resign"

Meanwhile, speaking with LEADERSHIP on the telephone, one of the governorship aspirants and Executive Director, Housing Finance and Accounts of the Federal Housing Authority, Mathias Byuan's media aide, Akange Nyagba, said his principal would certainly meet the March 31 resignation deadline, "Dr Mathias Byuan will certainly meet the March 31 resignation deadline. Those who are really in the contest will resign. You have to wait and see who gives in with a resignation letter; it will be made public, and there is nothing to speculate about. His resignation will not be a problem," he stated.

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