The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State chapter, has described a suit seeking to stop its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, from contesting the election as a political distraction, alleging that the case is linked to what it described as the growing acceptance of its candidate across the state.
The party was reacting to a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja by four Benue residents seeking orders to restrain Aondoakaa, the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with his candidacy. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2152/2026, cites a previous Supreme Court judgment involving Aondoakaa. The matter has been adjourned to September 29, 2026, for further mention.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, on Wednesday, the PDP said the plaintiffs were not members of the party and did not participate in its May 24, 2026 governorship primary that produced Aondoakaa as 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, which validly produced Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as the party’s candidate,” the statement said.
The party said it would not comment on the substantive issues before the court, but alleged that “certain political interests” were uncomfortable with the momentum surrounding Aondoakaa’s campaign.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Aondoakaa satisfied all constitutional requirements for election as Governor of Benue State under Sections 177 and 182 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the PDP said.
The party further maintained that the Constitution expressly provides the qualifications and disqualifications for elective office, arguing that such provisions should not be expanded through what it described as political interpretations or conjecture. Sections 177 and 182 of the Constitution deal respectively with qualification for election as governor and disqualifications.
The PDP said it would remain focused on its campaign and on presenting what it described as practical solutions to challenges facing Benue, particularly insecurity.
“We will not be distracted by political theatrics masquerading as genuine public interest litigation,” the party stated.
The latest development comes as Aondoakaa continues consultations and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Recent reports have also quoted him outlining proposed programmes on employment, security, healthcare and infrastructure.
