Herman Hembe, member representing Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, on Thursday, clinched the gubernatorial ticket of the Labour Party (LP) in Benue.

Mr Hembe had sought the ticket on the platform of his former party, the All Progressives Congress, but met a brick wall.

Anslem Eragbe, the party’s National Youth Leader and returning officer of the governorship primaries, announced Mr Hembe as winner of the election held in Makurdi.

Mr Hembe polled a total of 103 votes to defeat his opponent, Benjamin Akaakar, who got four votes.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Hembe commended the party for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election.

He thanked delegates for nominating him as the party’s flag bearer for the governorship election in 2023, assuring that he would work hard to lead the party to victory in Benue.

Mr Hembe promised to prioritise the welfare of workers, especially the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements if elected.

Ibrahim Idoko, LP chairman in Benue, said that the state needs leadership that would turn around the fortunes of its workers to drive development.

Mr Idoko expressed optimism that the party’s governorship candidate would bring a new direction to governance and redeem Benue from near collapse.

The primary election was monitored by INEC officials and security agencies.

(NAN)