By Salisu Ibrahim
Gboko/Tarka, Benue State — A seasoned journalist-turned-politician, Mr. Nathaniel Ikyur, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency seat, declaring “I’ll Deliver Results”.
With elections looming, and the race heating up — this veteran communicator is betting his career on turning talk into tangible change, hoping to win win election and give his people a very good representation.
In an exclusive interview, Hon. Ikyur — a former Senior Legislative Aide to Rep. Farouk Lawan and ex-Senior Special Assistant to former Speaker Aminu Tambuwal — said his extensive parliamentary experience and deep connections make him the ideal candidate to represent the people.
“I’m offering competence, not just connection. I’m not new to this game. I’m “destined to win”, he said.
Hon. Ikyur while promising to turn the PDP around in Benue after its recent turmoil, confidently said, “I’ve walked the halls of the National Assembly, advised lawmakers, crafted strategies — I know how to deliver results for my people.”
“Every system gets shaken sometimes. But our leaders — Chief Samuel Ortom, Senator Patrick Moro — are rebuilding. By 2027, PDP will bounce back stronger than ever. Benue is ripe for change,” he added.
However, competing against the wife of Dr George Akume — current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) — who holds the seat now, is a major challenge, Hon. Ikyur said, he was undeterred.
“This isn’t my first attempt. In 2003, I ran under ANPP and got over 23,000 votes — almost beat PDP. Back then, Akume was governor. Today, he’s SGF — powerful, influential. But my focus is simple: “I’ll deliver. I will bring results, and the people will choose me.”
He declared that, fairness, unity, accountability, integrity and service to the people would remain his watchwords, while his priorities are to:
Boost education funding & infrastructure; revive agriculture with youth-focused programs, improve healthcare access — especially in rural areas, empower women & youth through scholarships & job creation, and strengthen security via community policing & intelligence sharing
Hon. Ikyur, an advocate for vulnerable groups said, “I won’t just talk, I’ll act. Gboko and Tarka deserve a voice that listens — and delivers.”
His resume includes:
– 8 years as Senior Legislative Aide to Rep Farouk Lawan (2003–2011)
– Brief stint assisting Hon Hassan El-Badawy from Yobe
– Senior Special Assistant on Media & Strategic Communication to Speaker Tambuwal (2011–2015)
– Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/English, Bayero University Kano