Labour Party elects new Benue leadership, vows to capture Govt House in 2027

By James Toridi

The Labour Party (LP) in Benue State has concluded its congresses with the emergence of a 24-member State Working Committee (SWC), signaling renewed momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The state congress, held on Saturday, produced Mr. William Ochonu as Chairman and Spencer Atikpo as Secretary through affirmation.

Inaugurating the new leadership, Chairman of the LP Congress Sub-Committee for Benue State, Chief John Ochoga, said he was mandated by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, to oversee a seamless congress process across the state.

He described the ward, local government, and state congresses as successful and expressed confidence in the newly elected officials.

Ochoga declared that the party was poised to take over the state government, insisting that the people of Benue would soon reap the rewards of their political efforts.

“We will not labour in vain. We will take over Government House in Benue State. The Benue people will never labour in vain again,” he said. “The mandate has been given for us to take over the state, and soon we will be there.”

He also acknowledged the member representing Enone Federal Constituency (Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo), Philip Agbese, as the party leader in the state, urging constituents to return him to the House of Representatives.

In his remarks, Agbese congratulated the new SWC and pledged his support to strengthen the party’s structure and electoral chances.

“For us in the Labour Party, it’s about partnership. We will support the party with everything necessary to ensure that we take over Benue in 2027,” he said, adding that the party aims to secure at least 10 seats in the House of Representatives by the next electoral cycle.

Also speaking, the Assistant National Youth Leader (North Central), Dr. Graham Gande, expressed optimism that the new leadership would drive the party to victory.

“With this EXCO, we are taking off towards 2027. We have a lot of work ahead, and I urge them to remain committed to delivering the party at the polls,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, William Ochonu, thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with diligence and unity.

“We accept this responsibility with commitment and will not disappoint. We will work in harmony and love for the party, and in 2027, the results will speak for themselves,” Ochonu said.

He described his emergence as a call to service and urged party members to remain united in building a stronger Labour Party in the state.