PDP rejects Agbo, backs Aondoakaa as 2027 Benue guber candidate

The crises in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Benue State has taken a dangerous dimension as two rival candidates received Certificates of Return for Benue’s 2027 Governorship election.

But in a swift reaction, the Benue State Chapter of the party declared one of them an “imposter” and “political con artist”.

A statement signed by Dan Nyikwagh, State Secretary, of the party, said Emmanuel Agbo “is not and has never been the Governorship Candidate of our great Party for the 2027 general elections.

“Any claim, publication, video, or public statement suggesting otherwise is a deliberate falsehood, a calculated act of impersonation, and a clear attempt to deceive the good people of Benue State,” the statement read.

The Benue PDP said Agbo is “peddling and sponsoring fake news for selfish and mischievous reasons” and urged media houses and the public to disregard him.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, the Benue State PDP has, through a transparent and unanimous consensus process duly affirmed by party leaders, stakeholders, and members, recognised Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as the authentic and legitimate Governorship Candidate,” the party stated.

It added that the process was “duly monitored by the nation’s electoral umpire, INEC” and has been “widely endorsed across the state.”

The party said it had commenced constitutional and legal steps to “expose, confront, and decisively deal with Emmanuel Agbo and all impersonators of his kind.”

“Impersonating a party candidate is a serious offence, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on anyone engaging in such criminal conduct,” Nyikwagh warned.

The statement came hours after Aondoakaa, backed by the Wike faction, received his Certificate of Return at PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, while the Turaki-led faction separately presented one to Agbo, DG of PDP Governors’ Forum.

With both men now holding certificates, attention shifts to INEC, which is yet to publish the final list of candidates for the 2027 Benue governorship election.

“The PDP remains focused, united, and ready to rescue and rebuild Benue State under the capable umbrella of Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN,” the Benue Chapter concluded.

In an interview with some political observers, some of them were of the view that if care was not taken the PDP would risk repeating its 2023 scenario that brought them where they are today, if the crisis were not resolved before INEC’s deadline.