A former Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State after the party primary on Sunday in Makurdi.

Mr Aondoakaa, who emerged through consensus, immediately announced a 38-year-old Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Dr Oyije Ogbenjuwa, as his running mate.

The former attorney general praised his co-aspirants for placing the interest of Benue above personal ambitions, describing them as partners in the mission to rebuild the state.

He said Benue was at a critical stage, with citizens yearning for peace, security, economic growth, justice, and responsive leadership.

The PDP candidate highlighted the struggles of farmers, youths, women, civil servants, and pensioners, promising a government that would restore hope and confidence among the people.

He outlined key priorities of his proposed administration to include tackling insecurity, protecting lives and property, revitalising agriculture and ensuring rural development.

Mr Aondoakaa added that he would prioritise youth and women empowerment, improving infrastructure, healthcare and education, promoting industrial growth, ensuring transparency and accountability, and fostering unity across political and ethnic divides.

The former attorney general stated that his campaign would focus on issues, solutions, unity, and service rather than bitterness or division.

He called on the PDP members to unite and take the party’s message to communities across the state.

Earlier, the leader of the PDP in Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, said the party’s candidate would be transparent and prudent in the management of public resources.

Mr Ortom described Mr 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 such allegations were false.

Also speaking, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, described Mr Aondoakaa as “the new sheriff” who would defeat the incumbent in the 2027 governorship election.

Mr Moro said the PDP candidate possessed the capacity to succeed in governance, having performed credibly as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

Mr Ogbenjua, in his brief remarks, accepted his nomination as a running mate and promised to work for the success of the party.

The high point of the primary election was the affirmation of the governorship candidate by the party supporters through a voice vote.

 (NAN)