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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has unanimously selected Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Chief Aondoakaa, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, emerged ahead of 11 other aspirants after a rigorous consensus process that spanned over three weeks. The decision was reached through meticulous consultations and deliberations involving key party leaders and stakeholders.
Prominent figures who participated in the process include former Governor of Benue State and PDP leader, Chief Samuel Ortom; Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro; State Chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji; the state Executive Committee; the State Assembly Caucus; the G-14 and G-9 groups of elders, as well as other critical stakeholders.
All 11 co-contestants accepted the outcome of the consensus process. Notable among them were Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, a former Commissioner of Education and 2023 aspirant, Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha, a two-term member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Revd. Tor Uja, Dr. Tersoo Loko, Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, Dr. Oyjie Ogbenjua, and Rtd. Naval Commander Ode Ojowu. Each of them publicly affirmed the process and pledged their full support for Chief Aondoakaa.
In separate remarks, Chief Samuel Ortom and Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro hailed the sense of solidarity, selflessness, and loyalty displayed by the aspirants. Chief Ortom charged them to place the interest of the state above all other considerations, with the primary objective of ousting the incumbent administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027.
Chief Aondoakaa, in his acceptance speech, pledged to move quickly to close ranks within the party and unify all structures into a formidable force. He appreciated the honour bestowed on him to fly the flag of the PDP and promised to carry all his co-aspirants along in the composition of his campaign structures while working to deliver victory for the party in 2027.
The emergence of Chief Aondoakaa is seen as a strategic move by the Benue PDP to present a strong, experienced candidate capable of challenging the ruling APC in the next election cycle. Party leaders have described the process as transparent, inclusive, and focused on the collective goal of rescuing the state from what they termed “failed leadership.”
With this development, attention now shifts to how the PDP will consolidate this unity and build a winning coalition as the countdown to the 2027 governorship election begins in earnest.
