Benue PDP Confirms Aondoakaa’s Candidacy for Governor in 2027

as he unveils ‘rescue’ agenda

Ortom backs his competence

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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

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

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

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

He praised his fellow aspirants for prioritising the collective interest of the people over personal ambition, calling their conduct “the highest form of statesmanship.”

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.”

Aondoakaa noted that Benue is undergoing a critical period, stressing that residents across the state are yearning for peace, security, economic prosperity and responsive leadership.

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

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

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

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

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.

“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.

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

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

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

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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