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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. It featured traditional prayers and calls for unity and support for his ambition.
The Ter Ushongo, His Royal Highness Augustine Kuma, described Aondoakaa as a worthy son deserving of his people’s blessings. He expressed confidence in his 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 HRH Daniel Ayada (Rtd), also offered prayers and pledged support. In a traditional blessing ceremony, Elder Atsue Ibi invoked divine protection, strength and success for Aondoakaa, and the elders sought the blessings of the entire Ukan nation for him.
The convener, Peter Ashiekaa, urged the people of Ushongo to take pride in Aondoakaa’s emergence and rally behind him. The Chairman of the occasion and Director-General of the Aondoakaa/Ogbenjuwa Campaign Organisation, Dr Laha Dzever, described the turnout as evidence of grassroots acceptance and urged the people to translate their support into votes in 2027.
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He said the emergence of a Kwande son on the PDP ticket represented an opportunity to advance political equity and inclusiveness in Benue.
The PDP Deputy State Chairman, Hon. Azua Ashongo, who was guest speaker, also made a case for Kwande’s governorship aspiration, citing fairness, political balance and inclusiveness.
Support also came 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. So did the former Speaker of the Assembly and PDP candidate for Gboko West State Constituency, Hyacinth Dajoh, who described the candidacy as an opportunity for a change in leadership.
In his response, Aondoakaa thanked the traditional rulers, elders and political leaders, saying Benue needed a unifying leader with the courage and political will to tackle insecurity, restore public confidence and promote peace and prosperity.
“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,” he said. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Susan Aondoakaa, family members and political associates, and Lady Veronica Gajir delivered the vote of thanks.
