The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected claims that its governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the 2027 election.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the PDP maintained that the former Attorney-General of the Federation remains eligible to seek the office of governor under the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The party said it was unaware of any criminal conviction or qualifying indictment against Aondoakaa. It added that he had not been arraigned before a court or found liable by a legally constituted panel on a ground capable of triggering constitutional disqualification.
As part of its response, the PDP referred to Aondoakaa’s participation in earlier governorship primaries. It noted that he contested the party’s primary in 2015 and later took part in the All Progressives Congress primary in 2022 without a successful legal challenge to his eligibility.
The statement also referred to Sections 177 and 182 of the Constitution, which address the qualifications and disqualifications applicable to governorship candidates. The PDP argued that political actors cannot introduce additional grounds outside those stated in the Constitution.
It further invoked the constitutional timetable for pre-election proceedings, contending that any challenge concerning nomination must comply with the applicable filing deadline.
The party described the contrary claims as politically motivated and urged the public to disregard them. It said the choice of governor should ultimately be made by Benue voters through the electoral process.
The statement represents the PDP’s position on the eligibility dispute. No court determination disqualifying Aondoakaa was identified in the party’s response.
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