Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, has been unanimously chosen as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027elections in benue state.
The affirmation, which took place at a congress in the state capital, Makurdi, on Sunday, was the culmination of weeks of political manoeuvring, backroom negotiations, and ultimately, a rare show of unity within a party that has in recent times struggled to project a cohesive front.
The decision followed an intensive three-week consultation and political screening process involving party stakeholders, elders, and all 11 governorship aspirants under the PDP platform in the state.
The exercise brought together key figures including former Governor Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, the State Working Committee led by Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, lawmakers, and influential party blocs such as the G-14 and G-9 elders’ groups.
All 10 co-aspirants withdrew their nominations and endorsed his candidacy a rare display of unity ahead of the polls, party leaders said.
In a move that drew immediate attention, Aondoakaa unveiled 38-year-old Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa as his running mate at the congress held in Makurdi.
The PDP governorship candidate said the nomination of the young man was intended to demonstrate that the party is youth-friendly.
Addressing the youth of Benue directly in his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa said: “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.”
Aondoakaa did not shy away from painting a sober picture of life in Benue under the current administration. He said Benue was at a critical stage in its history, noting that citizens across the state were yearning for peace, security, economic growth, justice, and responsive leadership.
He noted that farmers want to return safely to their farms, youths seek opportunities, while women, civil servants, and pensioners deserve empowerment, dignity, and timely rewards for their labour.
He outlined key priorities his administration would pursue if elected, including ending attacks and bloodshed across Benue communities; revitalising agriculture and rural development; empowering youths and women through employment and enterprise; and improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
He also promised special attention for the elderly, including the establishment of geriatric healthcare services in the state.
Perhaps mindful of Benue’s historically fractious political terrain, the PDP candidate sought to strike a conciliatory tone from the outset. He promised that his campaign would not be built on bitterness, division, or hatred, but would instead focus on issues, ideas, solutions, unity, and service.
He also expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him, assuring party members that the PDP would be repositioned for victory in 2027, and stressed his commitment to delivering what he called the “mandate of the Benue people.”
Former Governor Ortom called on stakeholders to sustain the spirit of unity and prioritise the collective interest of Benue State, stressing the need to reclaim power from Hyacinth Alia, the incumbent governor, in 2027.
The former governor also advised Aondoakaa to foster inclusivity by integrating fellow aspirants into his campaign structure.
For a party eager to return to Government House, Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with federal-level executive experience dating back to the Umaru Yar’Adua administration, represents a calculated bet: a candidate with the legal pedigree, political gravitas, and institutional knowledge to mount a credible challenge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation, has emerged as the PDP’s consensus governorship candidate for Benue State in the 2027 elections, with all 10 co-aspirants stepping down in his favour.
Backed by key figures including former Governor Samuel Ortom, he has pledged to end insecurity, revive agriculture, and restore responsive governance to a state deeply yearning for peace and progress.
