Ortom, Moro Storm Benue PDP Rally as Aondoakaa Unveils Youthful Running Mate for 2027 Governorship Battle

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, on Saturday led top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in a strong show of support for the party’s governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa, as he officially unveiled his running mate ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Benue State.

The event, held in Makurdi during the PDP stakeholders’ meeting and state congress, drew party leaders, delegates and supporters from across the state, with calls for unity dominating discussions ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, presented 38-year-old Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti-Ogbenjuwa as his deputy governorship candidate, describing the choice as a deliberate move to promote youth inclusion and strengthen the party’s grassroots appeal.

Addressing party faithful, Ortom urged members of the PDP to remain united and committed to reclaiming power in the state, insisting that the party remained the strongest political force in Benue.

He said the emergence of Aondoakaa through consensus demonstrated the maturity and unity of the party, adding that the PDP was determined to offer Benue people experienced and people-oriented leadership in 2027.

Also speaking, Moro charged party supporters to mobilise massively across the state, saying the PDP was prepared to return to Government House with a clear agenda focused on security, development and economic revival.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to run an inclusive and issue-based campaign, promising to prioritise security, tackle attacks on rural communities and restore public confidence in governance if elected.

He noted that his decision to pick a youthful deputy reflected his belief in the capacity of young people to contribute meaningfully to leadership and governance.

The PDP governorship candidate further appealed to traditional rulers, women groups, youths and religious leaders to support the party’s efforts to reclaim the state in the next election cycle.

Aondoakaa had earlier emerged as the PDP’s consensus governorship candidate following consultations among party stakeholders and the withdrawal of other aspirants in his favour.