The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has described a suit filed by four individuals seeking to prevent its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, from contesting the election as a political distraction.
The party, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, said the legal action was coming against the backdrop of what it described as the growing popularity and acceptance of Aondoakaa across the state.
Antyo said the plaintiffs were not members of the PDP and did not participate in the party’s consensus governorship primary held on May 24, 2026, which produced Aondoakaa as the party’s candidate.
He said although the matter was before the court and the party would therefore refrain from commenting on its merits, the PDP was concerned about what it described as attempts by unnamed political interests to create distractions around its candidate.
“Ordinarily, we would not dignify such distractions with a response. However, for the benefit of the public, it is necessary to state that the plaintiffs are not members of the PDP and did not participate in the party’s consensus governorship primary election of May 24, 2026,” Antyo said.
According to him, the primary election validly produced Aondoakaa as the PDP’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The party spokesman further maintained that Aondoakaa met the constitutional requirements for election as governor of Benue State, citing Sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Antyo also rejected suggestions that the PDP candidate was disqualified from seeking the governorship, stating that, according to the party, Aondoakaa had never been convicted, arraigned or indicted for any criminal offence.
He argued that the Constitution clearly stipulates the qualifications and grounds for disqualification from elective office, insisting that such provisions could not be expanded through what he described as conjecture or political considerations.
“The Constitution is clear on the grounds for disqualification from elective office, and no individual or political group can expand those provisions through conjecture or political convenience,” he said.
Antyo added that the PDP would remain focused on its campaign and engagement with the electorate, rather than allowing the legal action to divert attention from issues affecting the state.
He listed insecurity among the major challenges confronting Benue, accusing the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia of failing to adequately address the situation.
The PDP spokesman said the party would continue to engage the people of Benue on what he described as practical solutions to the state’s challenges.
“We will not be distracted by political theatrics masquerading as genuine public interest litigation,” Antyo added.
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