Benue PDP names Aondoakaa as 2027 gubernatorial candidate, drops Agbo

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports that Mr. Emmanuel Agbo is its 2027 governorship candidate, labeling those claims as false and misleading.

A statement signed by State Secretary Dan Nyikwagh and released to journalists declared that Agbo “is not and has never been” the party’s governorship candidate, urging the public to beware of what the party called fraudulent claims.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter, under the Chairmanship of Chief Ezekiel Adaji, wishes to unequivocally and categorically state that Emmanuel Agbo is not and has never been the governorship candidate of our great party for the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.

The party also said that any publication, video, or public statement depicting Agbo as its governorship flag bearer was “a deliberate falsehood, a calculated act of impersonation, and a clear attempt to deceive the good people of Benue State.”

The party affirmed that Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, continues to be its recognized and legitimate governorship candidate for 2027.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Benue State PDP has, through a transparent and unanimous consensus process duly affirmed by party leaders, stakeholders, and members, recognized Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the authentic and legitimate governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 elections,” the statement added.

The party said the consensus process was overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and represented the collective will of its members throughout the state.

The PDP warned that it would not tolerate attempts to sow confusion within its ranks, noting that it had begun legal and constitutional actions against those engaged in impersonation.

The party also urged media outlets, security agencies, and the public to ignore any narrative that portrays Agbo as its governorship candidate.

“The PDP remains focused, united, and ready to rescue and rebuild Benue state under the capable umbrella of Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa,” the statement added.