Ex-AGF Aondoakaa emerges Benue PDP consensus governorship candidate for 2027

FORMER Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has been selected as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aondoakaa’s emergence followed a series of consultations and an internal political review involving party leaders, elders, and the 11 governorship hopefuls contesting under the PDP in the state.

The process convened major stakeholders of the party, including former governor Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, members of the State Working Committee led by Ezekiel Adaji, lawmakers, and influential blocs such as the PDP G-14 and G-9 elders.

At the conclusion of the exercise, party leaders reportedly agreed on Aondoakaa as the preferred candidate, with the remaining 10 aspirants accepting the resolution in what insiders described as a show of party unity.

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Although some contenders, including Dennis Ityavyar and Dominic Ucha, reportedly raised concerns around zoning considerations, they were said to have accepted the outcome and pledged support for the consensus arrangement.

Other aspirants and stakeholders such as Tor Uja, Sebastine Hon (SAN), Tersoo Loko, Tor-Tiv Ato, among others, also aligned with the decision and reaffirmed their loyalty to the party ahead of the governorship race.

Reacting after the process, Ortom praised the aspirants for demonstrating what he called unusual political maturity and urged party members to remain united as preparations begin for the 2027 polls, with the goal of reclaiming power in the state.

Earlier, Abba Moro had described the consensus process as a difficult but strategic decision, noting that it was necessary to strengthen the PDP’s chances of dislodging the current administration.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa promised to deepen internal unity within the party and work with all stakeholders to build a formidable political structure ahead of the election.

The former attorney-general also thanked party leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him, assuring them that he would justify the trust and carry all interests along if elected.

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“I want to assure party members that the PDP will be repositioned for victory in 2027. I remain committed to preserving the trust placed in me and ensuring no one is left behind,” Aondoakaa said.

Party leaders noted that the consensus model was adopted to limit internal wrangling and improve the PDP’s electoral strength heading into the next general elections.