A veteran public administrator with 25 years experience, on Monday formally declared her candidacy for Governor of Benue State in next year’s general election, vowing to tackle security woes, agricultural stagnation, and economic hardship under a five-point reform plan.
Msurshima Comfort Iwambe, who works at the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board disclosed this while speaking to supporters, media, and residents in Makurdi.
The Konshisha native—a 1998 public administration graduate of Ahmadu Bello University—described herself as a “firm and compassionate” leader ready to break male dominance in the State’s top office since its creation in 1976.
“Women have demonstrated exceptional leadership… The time has come for Benue State to benefit from this perspective,” Iwambe said, announcing her run on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
Benue, the nation’s “food basket,” grapples with herder-farmer clashes, displacement, and crumbling social services amid national inflation pressures.
Iwambe’s agenda targets security reform and community protection – strengthening defenses against violence displacing thousands.
She also prioritise agriculture transformation and food security – hoping to revive farming to boost output and incomes.
The governorship hopeful said education and healthcare system – overhauling underfunded public services will also be top on her agenda if elected.
The Woman politician assure that transparent salary and pension administration – ensuring timely payments to civil servants as well as women, youth, and people will revieve priority attention and her government.
Iwambe, who rose to directorate level at the education board, emphasized her grassroots insight and accountability pledge.
“I am not presenting myself merely as an aspirant, but as a leader prepared to deliver measurable results,” she said.
She urged rival APC aspirants to prioritize unity over division, framing the race as a “shared mission” for Benue’s revival.
NewsQuest reports that APC primaries coming in May 2026 could draw crowded fields, testing Iwambe’s organizational mettle in a State pivotal to Nigeria’s breadbasket economy.
