Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State.

Aondoakaa’s emergence followed weeks of consultations involving the party’s top hierarchy and influential blocs, which culminated in the adoption of a single candidate from 11 aspirants.

The process brought together major stakeholders including former governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom; Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro; and state party chairman of PDP, Chief Ezekiel Adaji; alongside members of the State Executive Committee; lawmakers and elders’ groups.

This was despite initial failure among aspirants to produce one of them which afterwards gave room for stakeholders deliberation that resulted in the consensus candidate.

However all 10 co-aspirants publicly endorsed Aondoakaa’s candidacy, pledging to rally behind him ahead of the polls as they stressed that the move was aimed at unseating Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Amonng the aspirants, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar acknowledged reservations over zoning but accepted the outcome, while former lawmaker, Dominic Ucha and other contenders declared support for the party’s collective decision.

The party leaders framed the consensus as a strategic sacrifice to reposition the PDP and mount a formidable challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Ortom, in his speech shortly after the decision was taken, urged stakeholders to sustain unity and prioritise the “rescue mission” of reclaiming power in 2027, even as he directed the candidate to accommodate all tendencies within the party structure.

Similarly, Moro described the process as difficult but necessary, calling on party faithful and the electorate to unite in what he termed a mission to end what he characterised as failed leadership under the current administration.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to immediately reconcile all interests within the PDP and build a cohesive campaign machinery capable of winning the election.

He described his emergence as a call to service, vowing to restore confidence in governance and deliver on the expectations of Benue voters, if elected. (Daily Trust)

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