PDP unites to unseat Alia, makes Aondoakaa, ex-AGF, consensus candidate

Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, former Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, has emerged as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) consensus Governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2027 general elections.

Aondoakaa clinched the ticket following a consensus process in Makurdi that saw all 10 co-aspirants step down and unanimously endorsed his candidacy, signaling a rare show of unity within the party ahead of next year’s polls.

The PDP consensus process, which followed weeks of consultations by the aspirants, involved extensive and strategic deliberations by the party’s leadership and critical stakeholders.

Key figures, who drove the process included Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Benue State Governor; Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader; Ezekiel Adaji, State Chairman of the PDP; members of the State Executive Committee; the PDP State Assembly Caucus; as well as the influential G-14 and G-9 blocs of party elders.

The consensus decision was formally ratified by all aspirants, each of whom publicly affirmed the credibility of the process and pledged support for Aondoakaa’s candidacy.

Among them, Dennis Ityavyar, a former Commissioner for Education, acknowledged reservations over zoning but accepted the outcome in the interest of party cohesion.

Smilarly, Dominic Ucha, a two-term member of the Benue State House of Assembly, congratulated Aondoakaa and pledged full support towards securing victory in 2027.

Other prominent aspirants, including Tor Uja, a Reverend; Tersoo Loko, a PhD holder; Sebastine Hon, SAN and Professor of Law; Oyije Ogbenjua, a PhD holder; Ode Ojowu, a retired Naval Commander; Tor Tiv Ato, an Engineer; Simon Ater, a PhD holder; and Bemgba Iortyom, a Chief, also endorsed the candidate and committed to working for the party’s success.

In their remarks, Samuel Ortom and Abba Moro lauded the the aspirants for their maturity, loyalty, and sacrifice, describing the outcome as a major step towards repositioning the PDP for victory. They said the consensus reflects a broader strategy as PDP unite to unseat Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Ortom urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of unity and prioritise the collective interest of Benue State, stressing the need to reclaim power from the incumbent administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027. He also advised Aondoakaa to foster inclusivity by integrating fellow aspirants into his campaign structures.

Moro, on the other hand, described the consensus as a difficult but necessary decision, emphasising the urgency of providing purposeful leadership for the state. He called on party faithful and the people of Benue to rally behind the PDP’s mission to “rescue” the State.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to immediately begin reconciliation efforts within the party, promising to unite its structures into a formidable force ahead of the elections.

He expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, describing the PDP as Nigeria’s most successful political party since 1999, and assured supporters of his commitment to delivering responsive leadership if elected governor in 2027.