PDP picks Aondoakaa as Benue 2027 governorship flagbearer after consensus deal

By Johnson Arua

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2027 elections following a consensus arrangement endorsed by party stakeholders.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, who disclosed that Aondoakaa emerged from a field of 11 aspirants after an extensive consultation process that lasted over three weeks.

Antyo explained that the party leadership undertook “meticulous consultations and deliberations” before arriving at a unanimous decision, noting that the process was accepted and affirmed by all the aspirants involved.

Key figures in the party, including former Governor Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, State Chairman Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, members of the State Executive Committee, the PDP caucus in the State Assembly, as well as influential elders’ groups such as the G-14 and G-9, were all part of the decision-making process.

“The emergence of Chief Aondoakaa was by unanimous agreement,” Antyo stated, adding that all 10 co-contestants openly endorsed the outcome and pledged their support for the party’s flagbearer.

Despite expressing reservations about zoning, one of the aspirants, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, said he accepted the decision in the interest of party unity. “Though the zoning arrangement did not go as I expected, I accept the process and will support the candidate,” he said.

Similarly, Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha congratulated Aondoakaa and assured him of his backing, saying he was committed to ensuring the PDP’s victory in 2027.

Other aspirants, including Revd. Tor Uja, Dr. Tersoo Loko, Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN), Dr. Oyije Ogbenjua, Rtd. Naval Commander Ode Ojowu, Engr. Tor Tiv Ato, Simon Ater, and Chief Bemgba Iortyom, also threw their weight behind the former AGF, pledging to work collectively for the party’s success.

In their remarks, Ortom and Moro commended the aspirants for demonstrating unity, loyalty, and sacrifice. Ortom urged them to sustain the spirit of cooperation and prioritize the interests of Benue State, stressing that the party’s goal is to reclaim power in 2027.

“We must place the interest of the state above personal ambitions and work together to achieve victory,” Ortom said, while also advising Aondoakaa to carry all aspirants along in building an inclusive campaign structure.

Moro described the consensus process as “necessary, though difficult,” emphasizing that it was part of the party’s responsibility to provide credible leadership for the people.
“All PDP faithful and the people of Benue must unite in the mission to rescue the state,” he added.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to unite party members and strengthen its structures ahead of the election. “I will work to close ranks and bind our party into a formidable force capable of winning in 2027,” he said.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the PDP, describing it as “the most successful political party in Nigeria,” and assured the electorate of his commitment to delivering good governance if elected.