By Sunday Adakole 

Hon. Ochigbo Mathew has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for the 2027 Benue State election. The Idoma-born politician was returned unopposed during the party's governorship primary held in Makurdi, the state capital.

Following his emergence, Mathew pledged to pursue policies aimed at promoting inclusive governance, economic growth and social cohesion across Benue State.

Hon. Ochigbo Mathew has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for the 2027 election in Benue State.

Mathew was reportedly returned unopposed during the party's governorship primary held on Thursday in Makurdi, where delegates unanimously endorsed him as the party's flagbearer for the forthcoming election.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Mathew described the endorsement as a responsibility to serve the people of Benue and pledged to pursue policies that would promote inclusive governance, economic growth and social cohesion across the state.

According to him, the mandate represents an opportunity to provide leadership that responds to the aspirations of citizens while advancing grassroots development.

“This is not about me. It is about the people of Benue and the need for leadership that is responsive to their aspirations and committed to grassroots development,” he said.

Party leaders and stakeholders at the primary commended Mathew's contributions to community development and philanthropy, particularly in Ogbadibo Local Government Area and other parts of Idoma land.

They stated that his emergence reflected the confidence of party members in his leadership capacity and ability to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

A party stakeholder, Ambassador Emama Ikwue, expressed confidence in Mathew's candidature, saying his experience in human capital development and community service would help foster unity and strengthen relations among the various ethnic groups in the state.

According to Ikwue, Mathew possesses qualities that could help bridge existing divides and provide purposeful leadership for Benue.

The emergence of Mathew marks an early development in preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Benue State, where political parties are expected to intensify activities ahead of the electoral cycle.