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Ortom, Moro Rally Support As Aondoakaa Unveils Running Mate For Benue Governorship Race
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has picked 38-year-old Dr.
Aondoakaa emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election through a consensus arrangement.
Speaking during the congress in Makurdi where he was officially affirmed, the former Attorney-General pledged to restore security, revive agriculture, and rebuild public confidence in governance.
Aondoakaa said he accepted the nomination with “profound humility, deep gratitude, and a strong sense of responsibility,” while promising to unite the party and rescue the state from its present challenges.
He thanked the leadership and members of the PDP for entrusting him with the mandate and commended his co-aspirants for placing the interest of Benue people above personal ambition.
“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 noted that Benue was at a critical point in its history, stressing that citizens across the state were yearning for peace, security, economic growth, justice, and responsive leadership.
According to him, farmers desire to return safely to their farms, youths are seeking opportunities, while women, civil servants, and pensioners deserve empowerment, dignity, and prompt rewards for their labour.
Aondoakaa outlined key priorities his administration would pursue if elected governor in 2027. These include 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.
He also promised transparent governance, economic growth, and reconciliation among the people of the state beyond political and ethnic divisions.
“My administration shall focus on immediately halting the attacks and bloodshed in our communities and enforcing the protection of lives and property across Benue communities in a sustainable manner,” he said.
He further stated that his campaign would not be driven by bitterness or division, but would instead focus on issues, solutions, unity, and service to the people.
Addressing youths, women, elders, and traditional rulers, the PDP candidate assured them of inclusion in governance and pledged to establish geriatric healthcare support for elderly citizens in the state.
“Our movement is to restore dignity and protect lives and property of Benue people and everyone carrying out lawful business in Benue State,” he added.
Earlier, the leader of the PDP in Benue and immediate past Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, said the party’s candidate would be transparent and prudent in the management of public resources.
Ortom described Aondoakaa as a tested and trusted leader, expressing confidence that he would 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 at the event, Senator Abba Moro launched a strong criticism of the current administration in the state, accusing it of failing in governance despite what he described as heavy propaganda.
Moro alleged that many communities and critical sectors had been neglected, arguing that the government relied more on slogans than practical development.
According to the senator, most roads in Makurdi were scraped for reconstruction without actual upgrades taking place, leaving residents exposed to dust and poor road conditions.
“Payment of salary is an obligation, not an achievement,” Moro said, adding that local government workers and pensioners in the state were still being owed.
He also 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.
