A former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, has been chosen as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections.
themomentng reports that the decision came after about three weeks of consultations and internal screening carried out by party leaders and stakeholders across the state. The process involved all 11 aspirants who had shown interest in the PDP ticket.
Key figures within the party took part in the discussions, including former governor Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro, and members of the state working committee led by Ezekiel Adaji. Lawmakers and major party groups such as the G-14 and G-9 elders were also involved.
At the end of the meetings, Aondoakaa was selected as the single candidate, with the other 10 aspirants agreeing to step down for him. Party insiders said the outcome followed broad discussions aimed at keeping the party united.
Some aspirants, including Dennis Ityavyar and Dominic Ucha, were said to have had concerns about zoning but still accepted the final decision and promised to work with the party.
Other figures in the race, such as Tor Uja, Sebastine Hon, Tersoo Loko, and Tor Tiv Ato, also agreed to support the arrangement and remain loyal to the party going forward.
After the selection, Ortom praised the aspirants for accepting the outcome and called for unity as the party prepares for the next election. Moro also described the decision as necessary for strengthening the party’s chances in the state.
In his response, Aondoakaa promised to bring members together and work with all groups within the party to prepare for the 2027 poll. He thanked stakeholders for trusting him with the ticket and said efforts would be made to position the party for victory.
Party leaders explained that adopting a consensus candidate was part of a plan to avoid internal conflicts and build a stronger front ahead of the general elections.
