Follow Us on Google
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has received royal blessings and expressions of solidarity from traditional rulers, elders and political leaders in Ushongo Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The event, held on Saturday at Lessel, the local government headquarters, brought together members of the Ushongo Traditional Council, clan representatives and political stakeholders to honour Aondoakaa, whom they described as one of their illustrious sons.
The gathering featured traditional prayers and calls for unity and support for his political ambition.
The Ter Ushongo, His Royal Highness, Augustine Kuma, described Aondoakaa as a worthy son deserving of the blessings of his people.
He expressed confidence in the PDP candidate’s commitment to the development of Ushongo and his capacity to deliver democratic dividends to the state, adding that no father would deny his son blessings for a worthy cause.
Other traditional leaders, including the Mue Ter Mbagwa and Mata, Dr Gema Alu, and His Royal Highness Daniel Ayada (retd), also offered prayers and pledged their continued support.
In a traditional blessing ceremony involving his kinsmen, Elder Atsue Ibi offered prayers for Aondoakaa, invoking divine protection, strength and success in his political journey.
The elders also sought the blessings of the entire Ukan nation for the PDP candidate, stressing the importance of collective support for one of their own.
Speaking at the reception, the convener, Engr. Peter Ashiekaa, urged the people of Ushongo to take pride in Aondoakaa’s emergence and rally behind him.
Similarly, the Chairman of the occasion and Director-General of the Aondoakaa/Ogbenjuwa Campaign Organisation, Dr Laha Dzever, described the turnout as evidence of the candidate’s grassroots acceptance and called on the people to translate their support into votes in 2027.
Other News
He said the emergence of a Kwande son on the PDP ticket represented an opportunity to advance political equity and inclusiveness in Benue State.
The PDP Deputy State Chairman, Hon. Azua Ashongo, who was the guest speaker, also made a case for Kwande’s governorship aspiration, citing fairness, political balance and inclusiveness.
In a demonstration of support across party lines, the Accord Party leader in Ushongo and former Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Saater Tiseer, and the Ushongo APC Chairman, Ushahemba Tyavkase, declared their support for Aondoakaa.
Former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, who is the PDP candidate for Gboko West State Constituency, also urged the people to support Aondoakaa, describing his candidacy as an opportunity for a change in leadership.
In his response, Chief Mike Aondoakaa expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, elders and political leaders for their prayers and show of confidence, saying Benue needed a unifying leader with the courage and political will to tackle insecurity, restore public confidence and promote peace and prosperity.
He assured his people that he would not betray their trust, pledging to remain committed to their welfare and the development of the state.
He said: “For every great journey, there is a people whose prayers light the way. And for every worthy son, there is no greater honour than the blessings of his roots.”
In her vote of thanks, Lady Veronica Gajir thanked the traditional rulers, elders, political leaders and other guests for their participation, urging them to sustain the unity demonstrated at the gathering and support Aondoakaa at the 2027 polls.
The PDP governorship candidate was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Susan Aondoakaa, family members and political associates.
