The Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State has adopted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election, as the party intensifies moves to reclaim power in the state.
Aondoakaa, who served as minister of justice under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was formally unveiled during the party’s state congress in Makurdi on Sunday after other aspirants stepped down and endorsed his candidacy.
The former AGF also announced 38-year-old Dr Oyije Ochaekiti-Ogbenjuwa as his running mate, describing the choice as part of the party’s effort to demonstrate its commitment to youth inclusion and generational leadership.
Speaking after his emergence, Aondoakaa said his immediate priority, if elected governor in 2027, would be to tackle insecurity and halt the persistent killings and attacks across Benue communities.
Benue has witnessed repeated attacks linked to armed herders and bandit groups in recent years, with several communities displaced and hundreds killed in violent clashes that have dominated political discussions ahead of the next election cycle.
“Our campaign will not be built on bitterness, division or hatred,” Aondoakaa said.
“It will focus on issues, ideas, solutions, unity and service. We must take our message to every ward, every local government and every household across our dear state.”
He also appealed to youths, women, traditional rulers, elders and religious leaders to support the PDP ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“To the youth of Benue, I hear your voices and understand your aspirations. You are not the leaders of tomorrow alone; you are critical partners today,” he added.
The consensus arrangement followed weeks of consultations among party stakeholders and governorship aspirants.
Among those who reportedly played key roles in the negotiations were former governor Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, PDP state chairman Ezekiel Adaji and influential blocs within the party structure.
At least 10 aspirants eventually stepped down and publicly endorsed Aondoakaa’s candidacy, pledging to work for the party’s victory in 2027.
Some of the aspirants included Dennis Ityavyar, Dominic Ucha, Sebastine Hon, Tor Uja, Tersoo Loko and Bemgba Iortyom.
Reacting to the development, Ortom described the consensus process as a major step toward repositioning the PDP ahead of the governorship election.
He urged party stakeholders to sustain unity and prioritise the collective interest of the state.
Ortom also called on Aondoakaa to accommodate other aspirants within the campaign structure to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the polls.
Abba Moro said the consensus decision became necessary because of what he described as the urgent need for purposeful leadership in Benue.
He urged party members to rally behind the PDP’s effort to “rescue” the state from the ruling administration led by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Political observers say the emergence of Aondoakaa signals an early attempt by the PDP to consolidate its structure and avoid the internal divisions that affected the party after losing power in the state in 2023.
Analysts also note that the choice of a younger running mate could become a strategic move aimed at reconnecting the opposition party with younger voters ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested election cycle in Benue.
