Former Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2027 elections.

Mr Aondoakaa clinched the ticket on Monday following a consensus process in which all 10 co-aspirants stepped down and unanimously endorsed his candidacy.

The PDP consensus process, which followed weeks of consultations among the aspirants, involved extensive and strategic deliberations by the party’s leadership and key stakeholders.

Key figures who drove the process included the immediate past Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro; state chairman of the PDP, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji; members of the State Executive Committee; the PDP State Assembly Caucus, as well as the influential G-14 and G-9 blocs of party elders.

The consensus decision was formally ratified by all aspirants, including Tor Uja, Tersoo Loko, Oyije Ogbenjua, Ode Ojowu, Tor Tiv Ato, Simon Ater, and Bemgba Iortyom, who publicly affirmed the credibility of the process and pledged support for Mr Aondoakaa’s candidacy.

In their remarks, former Mr  Ortom and Mr Moro commended the aspirants for their maturity, loyalty, and sacrifice, describing the outcome as a major step towards repositioning the PDP for victory.

Mr Ortom urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of unity and prioritise the collective interest of Benue State, stressing the need to reclaim power from the incumbent administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027.

The politician also advised Mr Aondoakaa to foster inclusivity by integrating fellow aspirants into his campaign structure.

Senator Moro also described the consensus as a difficult but necessary decision, emphasising the urgency of providing purposeful leadership for the state.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Aondoakaa pledged to immediately begin reconciliation efforts within the party, promising to unite its structures into a formidable force ahead of the elections.

He expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, describing the PDP as Nigeria’s most successful political party since 1999, and assured supporters of his commitment to delivering responsive leadership if elected governor in 2027.