2027: PDP elects Ex- minister, Aondoakaa as guber candidate in Benue

….picks 38yrs old Ogbenjuwa as running mate

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The main opposition People’s Democratic Party PDP in Benue State affirmed the candidature of the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa as the party’s governorship candidate for 2027 general elections  during its governorship primary conducted  on Sunday in Makurdi. 

Chief Aondoakaa promised to offer Benue people the desired peace, justice and responsive leadership. 

Chief Aondoakaa noted that Benue stands at a critical point in its history as across the communities, the people desire peace, security, economic growth, justice, and responsive leadership

According to him, farmers want to return safely to their farms, the youths seek opportunities, not promises, women deserve empowerment and protection, civil servants and pensioners deserve dignity and timely rewards for their labour. 

“Although the task ahead is enormous, I am poised to rebuild hope and restore confidence in governance. When  am entrusted with the mandate of the people in 2027, my  administration shall focus on; immediately halting the attacks and bloodshed in  communities and enforcing the protection of lives and property across Benue communities in a sustainable manner; 

Revitalizing agriculture and rural development within the context of Benue State being the “Food Basket of the Nation;”, empowering youths and women through employment and enterprise; 

“Attention will be accorded to improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education; promoting industrial growth and economic opportunities; ensuring justice, transparency, and accountable governance; and reuniting and reconciling the people beyond political, ethnic, or sectional divides”, he said. 

He vowed that his campaign will not be built on bitterness, division, or hatred but on issue-based campaigns that emphasize ideas, solutions, unity and service. 

The Senior  Advocate of Nigeria urged every member of the PDP to close ranks and work together as one united family, saying that the journey ahead requires sacrifice, commitment, and collective determination and charged them to take the message to every ward, every local government, and every household across the state. 

He said, “to the youth of Benue, | hear your voices and understand your aspirations. You are not the leaders of tomorrow alone; you are critical partners today. 

“To our women, your strength, resilience, and contributions to society remain invaluable, and you shall always have a seat at the table of governance. 

“To our elders whose dignity is being eroded and respect is trampled upon in the State shail have these restored with reverence they deserve. We shall create a Geriatic Health Care for the elderly. Those in their 70s and above will be offered free medical health care. 

“To our traditional rulers, religious leaders, and elders, we seek your prayers, wisdom, and continued support. 

“Ours is a Movement to restore dignity and protect lives and property of Benue people and everyone carrying out lawful business in Benue State. Let us move forward with courage, unity, and faith for a new Benue of Peace, Progress, and Prosperity”.

Leader of PDP and former Benue State Governor Chief Samuel Ortom: extolled Aondoakaa as a man who has the capacity to deliver the people from ignorance, take them from insecurity to security, adding that he is tested and trusted. 

Ortom said Aondoakaa would not  be a man who will offer excuses to the Benue people especially the Internally Displaced Persons,, IDPs. 

He lashed out at Governor Hyacinth Alia accusing him of lying on national TV that pensions and salaries were not paid for 4 years in the State. 

“Nowhere in the history of Benue state right from Aper Aku to my administration did any  salaries were owed for 4 years. The total amount I got in eight years as Governor was 818 billion naira but in less than three years, this administration has received over 1.3 trillion naira.

 I challenge the government to tell us where our money is going. Benue is the only state that is still owing salaries and pension in the country. 

I inherited 72 billion naira as pensions and salaries and handed 38 billion naira   to the governor and only 5 months arrears owed.

“PDP is the only party that has structure in 276 wards in the State. Our internal mechanisms will continue to function to resolve our crisis amicably”, Ortom said. 

Senate Minority Leader Sen Abba Moro charged Benue people to spread the news across the length and breadth of the state that a new sheriff who can do the job is in town, adding “rise and spread the message that the PDP is back”.