Benue 2027: Ex-AGF Michael Aondoakaa Emerges PDP Consensus Candidate After High-Stakes Party Deal

Political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections have taken a decisive turn in Benue State, with former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, emerging as the Peoples Democratic Party’s consensus governorship candidate.

The agreement followed a tightly managed three-week consultation and screening process involving all 11 governorship aspirants on the PDP platform, alongside top party stakeholders and elder statesmen in the state.

The exercise brought together influential political figures, including former Governor Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro, the State Working Committee led by Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, lawmakers, and key power blocs such as the G-14 and G-9 elders’ forums.

At the conclusion of the discussions, Aondoakaa was selected as the consensus flagbearer, with party insiders saying all other aspirants eventually aligned with the outcome in what was described as a rare show of internal discipline and unity within the Peoples Democratic Party.

Some contenders, including Prof. Dennis Ityavyar and Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha, reportedly raised concerns around zoning arrangements but still committed to backing the party’s final position.

Other aspirants, among them Revd. Tor Uja, Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN), Dr. Tersoo Loko, and Engr. Tor Tiv Ato, were also said to have endorsed the consensus arrangement and pledged loyalty ahead of the election cycle.

Speaking after the process, Ortom praised the aspirants for what he described as uncommon political maturity, urging them to remain united and focused on reclaiming power from the incumbent administration.

Senator Abba Moro also described the outcome as a tough but necessary compromise aimed at strengthening the PDP’s electoral competitiveness in the state.

In his acceptance remarks, Aondoakaa pledged to unify the party and mobilise all stakeholders into what he called a “formidable political force” ahead of 2027.

He expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, assuring party members that the PDP would be repositioned for victory and committed to delivering what he termed the “mandate of the Benue people.”

Party leaders say the consensus approach is part of a broader strategy to minimise internal divisions and improve the PDP’s chances in a highly competitive governorship race.