2027: Benue PDP affirms Aondoakaa’s gov’ship candidacy as he picks 38-yr-old as deputy

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…Ortom backs his competence

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By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has been formally affirmed as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, pledging to restore security, revive agriculture, and rebuild public trust in governance.

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Aondoakaa, who emerged as the party’s consensus candidate in Makurdi last week, unveiled 38-year-old Oyije Ogbenjuwa as his running mate during the affirmation ceremony at the party’s congress held on Sunday.

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In his acceptance speech, the former minister described his emergence as a victory for unity, democracy, and the future of Benue State.

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“I accept the nomination as the gubernatorial candidate of our great party, the PDP, for the 2027 governorship election in Benue State,” Aondoakaa declared.

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He commended his fellow aspirants for putting the collective interest of the people above personal ambition, describing their action as “the highest form of statesmanship.”

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He added, “You are not just my former competitors; you are my brothers and partners in the mission to rescue and rebuild Benue. I promise to carry along your visions and ideas as we embark on this journey.”

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Aondoakaa noted that Benue was passing through a critical period, stressing that residents across the state were yearning for peace, security, economic prosperity, and responsive leadership.

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According to him, farmers want to return safely to their farms, and youths are seeking opportunities, while women, civil servants, and pensioners deserve empowerment, dignity, and timely rewards for their labour.

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Outlining his agenda, the PDP candidate promised to immediately tackle insecurity and restore peace across troubled communities in the state.

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“My administration shall focus on immediately halting the attacks and bloodshed in our communities and enforcing the protection of lives and property across Benue in a sustainable manner,” he stated.

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He also pledged to revitalize agriculture and rural development, empower youths and women through job creation and enterprise support, improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education, as well as promote transparent governance and economic growth.

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Aondoakaa further assured that his administration would pursue reconciliation and unity beyond political and ethnic divides, insisting that his campaign would focus on solutions and service rather than bitterness and division.

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“Today, we proved that the PDP is a family. Your decision to place the interest of the Benue people above personal ambition is the highest form of statesmanship,” he added.

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Speaking at the event, the leader of the PDP in Benue State and immediate past governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, thanked party members for their loyalty and continued support for the party over the years.

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Ortom described Aondoakaa as a tested and trusted leader who possesses the capacity to manage public resources prudently and transparently.

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He expressed confidence that the PDP candidate would restore displaced persons to their ancestral homes and rebuild their dignity.

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The former governor also dismissed claims that previous PDP administrations owed four years of salaries and seven years of pensions, insisting that the allegations were false.

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