The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has announced the emergence of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, noting that Aondoakaa emerged after a three-week consultative process involving 11 aspirants.
According to the statement, the consensus arrangement followed “meticulous consultations and deliberations” among key stakeholders, culminating in a unanimous decision endorsed by all aspirants.
Prominent figures who participated in the process included former governor Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro, the state party chairman, Ezekiel Adaji, members of the State Executive Committee, the PDP caucus in the State House of Assembly, as well as leaders of the G-14 and G-9 blocs.
The party said all 10 co-aspirants accepted the outcome and pledged their support for Aondoakaa’s candidacy.
Among those who endorsed the process were former Commissioner for Education, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, who, despite expressing reservations over zoning, aligned with the consensus and promised to work for the party’s success.
Others included Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha, Rev. Tor Uja, Dr. Tersoo Loko, Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN), Dr. Oyije Ogbenjua, retired Naval Commander Ode Ojowu, Engr. Tor Tiv Ato, businessman Simon Ater, and Chief Bemgba Iortyom.
In separate remarks, Ortom and Moro commended the aspirants for their unity and commitment to the party’s interest, describing the consensus as a demonstration of loyalty and political maturity.
Ortom urged party members to sustain the spirit of cohesion and prioritise the state’s interest, with a view to reclaiming power from the incumbent administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027.
He also advised the party’s candidate to accommodate other aspirants in his campaign structure to strengthen the PDP’s chances at the polls.
On his part, Moro described the process as “difficult but necessary,” stressing the need for party faithful and the people of Benue to rally behind the PDP’s mission.
In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to unite party members and build a formidable platform capable of securing victory in the forthcoming election.
“I will work to close ranks within the party and galvanise our collective strength to achieve our shared objective,” he said.
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