The Benue State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 general election, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has picked Dr Oyije Ogbenjuwa as his running mate.

Speaking during the party’s congress in Makurdi, Aondoakaa promised that his administration would focus on security, agriculture revival, youth and women empowerment, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development across the state.

He also pledged to promote unity, justice, transparency, and accountability in governance as the party begins preparations for the 2027 governorship race.

Aondoakaa who was affirmed as the party’s governorship candidate, said, “I stand before you today with profound humility, deep gratitude, and a strong sense of responsibility as I accept the nomination as the gubernatorial candidate of our great party, the PDP, for the 2027 governorship election in Benue State.

“First and foremost, I give glory to Almighty God for His Grace, Guidance, and Mercy throughout this journey. I sincerely thank the leadership of our great party, the PDP, our respected members, elders, supporters, and every stakeholder who has reposed confidence in me to carry this noble mandate. I do not take this trust for granted.”

“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. You are not just my former competitors; you are my brothers and partners in the mission to rescue and rebuild Benue. I promise to carry along your visions and ideas as we embark on this journey.”

Speaking at the occasion, leader of the party and immediate past Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, said, Aondoakaa, has the capacity to deliver the state from ignorance, from insecurity to security, adding that the gubernatorial candidate is someone who has been “tested and trusted.”

Ortom stated that the party has decided that it must effect a change in Benue State, come 2027, hence it was determined to make that change through Aondoakaa, who is a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, stressing that “we believe Aondoakaa is the one that would bring about the desired change and put food on the table of the Benue people.”

He appreciated the other governorship aspirants who decided to sacrifice their ambition and work with Aondoakaa, for the overall good of the state.

Ortom pointed out that the party has reactivated its internal resolution mechanism, to resolve conflicts that may arise within the party.

In his remarks, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, told supporters to carry the message to everyone that there was a new Sheriff in town; someone that have the capacity to do the job.

In his acceptance speech, the PDP candidate, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, said, “Today’s outcome is a victory for unity, democracy and the future of our dear Benue State.”

The governorship candidate assured that when voted to power, he would “immediately halt the attacks and bloodshed in our communities and enforce the protection of lives and property across Benue communities sustainably; revitalising agriculture and rural development within the context of Benue State being the “Food Basket of the Nation.”

Shortly after his nomination as the Running Mate, Ogbenjuwa, appreciated the gesture saying, “I accept (the offer) with every fibre in my body.”