Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has been picked as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus governorship candidate for Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision followed an intensive three-week consultation and political screening process involving party stakeholders, elders, and all 11 governorship aspirants under the PDP platform in the state.

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

At the end of the process, Aondoakaa reportedly emerged as the consensus choice, with all 10 other aspirants accepting the outcome in what party leaders described as a “unified and disciplined decision.”

Some of the aspirants, including Prof. Dennis Ityavyar and Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha, were said to have accepted the process despite expressing reservations on zoning expectations, but pledged full support for the party’s direction.

Other notable aspirants and stakeholders, including Revd. Tor Uja, Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, Dr. Tersoo Loko, Engr. Tor Tiv Ato, and others, also reportedly aligned with the consensus arrangement and pledged loyalty ahead of the polls.

Speaking after the process, Chief Ortom commended the aspirants for what he called rare political maturity, urging them to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections and focus on unseating the incumbent administration.

Senator Abba Moro also praised the outcome, describing it as a difficult but necessary step toward strengthening the PDP’s chances in the state.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to consolidate unity within the party and mobilise all stakeholders into what he described as a “formidable force” ahead of the elections.

He also expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him.

He assured party members that PDP would be repositioned for victory in 2027, stressing commitment to delivering what he called the “mandate of the Benue people.

”The PDP leadership says the consensus arrangement is aimed at reducing internal divisions and strengthening its electoral competitiveness in the coming general elections.”