Aondoakaa emerges PDP Consensus Governorship candidate in Benue

By Emmanuel Antswen

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

Aondoakaa clinched the ticket in Makurdi after 10 other aspirants stepped down and threw their weight behind his candidacy, bringing to a close weeks of consultations and internal negotiations within the party.

Party sources said the consensus process was driven by extensive deliberations among key leaders, including former Governor Samuel Ortom and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, alongside the PDP State Chairman, Mr Ezekiel Adaji, members of the State Executive Committee, and influential blocs such as the G-14 and G-9.

The outcome was subsequently ratified by all aspirants, who affirmed the credibility of the process and pledged to support Aondoakaa’s candidacy ahead of the polls.

Although a former Commissioner for Education, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, expressed reservations over zoning arrangements, he accepted the decision in the interest of party unity.

Other aspirants, including Rev. Tor Uja, Mr Tersoo Loko, Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN), Mr Oyije Ogbenjua, retired Naval Commander Ode Ojowu, Mr Tor-Tiv Ato, Mr Simon Ater, and Mr Bemgba Iortyom, also endorsed the consensus candidate.

In separate remarks, party stakeholders described the development as a strategic move to reposition the PDP for victory in 2027.

Ortom commended the aspirants for their “maturity, loyalty and sacrifice,” urging party members to maintain unity and focus on reclaiming power from the incumbent administration.

Moro, on his part, described the consensus as a difficult but necessary step, stressing the need for purposeful leadership in the state.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to embark on immediate reconciliation efforts within the party, promising to unify its structures and build a formidable platform ahead of the election.

He also expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, assuring party faithful of responsive and inclusive leadership if elected governor in 2027.

The emergence of Aondoakaa as consensus candidate signals a major realignment within the PDP in Benue, as the party moves early to consolidate its base and strengthen its chances in the next electoral cycle.