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Vows to restore security, rebuild Benue
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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Former Minister for Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has been affirmed as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Benue governorship election.
Aondoakaa, who emerged as the consensus candidate in Makurdi last week, picked 38-year-old Oyije Ogbenjuwa as his running mate.
In his acceptance speech during the affirmation ceremony on Sunday, Aondoakaa said: “I accept the nomination as the gubernatorial candidate of our great party, the PDP, for the 2027 governorship election in Benue State.”
He acknowledged his co-aspirants for placing the interest of the Benue people above personal ambition, describing it as the highest form of statesmanship.
He said: “You are not just my former competitors; you are my brothers and partners in the mission to rescue and rebuild Benue. I promise to carry along your visions and ideas as we embark on this journey. Today’s outcome is a victory for unity, democracy and the future of our dear Benue State.”
Aondoakaa promised to restore security, revive agriculture and rebuild public confidence in governance, pledging to unite the party and rescue the state from its current challenges.
“Today, we proved that the PDP is a family. Your decision to place the interest of the Benue people above personal ambition is the highest form of statesmanship,” he stated.
The PDP candidate 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.
According to him, farmers want to return safely to their farms, and youths seek opportunities, while women, civil servants and pensioners deserve empowerment, dignity and timely rewards for their labour.
Aondoakaa outlined key priorities his administration would pursue if elected governor in 2027, 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.
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He also promised transparent governance, economic growth and reconciliation among the people of the state beyond political and ethnic divides, saying: “My administration shall focus on immediately halting the attacks and bloodshed in our communities and enforcing protection of lives and property across Benue communities in a sustainable manner.”
He further declared that his campaign would not be driven by bitterness or division but would instead focus on issues, solutions, unity and service to the people.
The leader of the PDP in Benue State and immediate past governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, appreciated party members for their faith in the party and for their support over the years.
Ortom described Aondoakaa as a tested and trusted leader, expressing confidence that he would be transparent and prudent in the management of public resources and also restore displaced persons to their ancestral homes and rebuild their dignity.
He also dismissed claims that previous PDP administrations owed four years’ salaries and seven years’ pensions, insisting that such allegations were false.
Also speaking, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro, criticised the current administration in the state for failing in governance despite what he described as “heavy propaganda”.
Moro alleged that many communities and critical sectors were neglected, arguing that the government had relied on slogans rather than practical development.
According to the senator, most roads in Makurdi have been scraped for reconstruction without actual upgrades taking place, leaving residents exposed to dust and poor road conditions.
He also stated that “payment of salary is an obligation of every government and not an achievement”, noting that local government workers and pensioners in the state were still being owed.
He further expressed concern over worsening insecurity in Benue, insisting that the prevailing situation had created an opportunity for the PDP to reclaim power in the 2027 elections.
“The fertile ground has been laid for PDP or any party for that matter to take over, and we are prepared as a party to take over the reins of government come 2027,” Moro declared.
