The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, yesterday received royal blessings, traditional prayers and overwhelming expressions of solidarity from the Ushongo Traditional Council and elders representing the various clans that make up Ushongo Local Government Area during a historic gathering held in Lessel, the local government headquarters.
The occasion, marked by deep cultural significance, traditional rites and an impressive display of communal solidarity, provided an opportunity for the people of Ushongo to celebrate one of their illustrious sons and offer prayers for his political journey ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the Ushongo Traditional Council Hall, the Ter Ushongo, His Royal Highness, Augustine Kuma, described Chief Aondoakaa as a worthy son of the soil who deserves the blessings.
He also expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s commitment to the development of Ushongo and his capacity to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State. Chief Kuma noted that no father will refuse to bless his son on such worthy cause.
Also speaking, the Mue Ter Mbagwa and Mata, Dr. Gema Alu, and His Royal Highness, Daniel Ayada (Rtd), respectively, spoke on behalf of their people, offering royal blessings and assuring Aondoakaa of their continued prayers .
In a deeply emotional traditional blessing ceremony involving his kinsmen (Ityo), Elder Atsue Ibi offered solemn prayers for Aondoakaa, cautioning against anyone who, out of malice or evil intentions, might seek to obstruct the aspirations of the people of Ushongo through his political journey.
The elders subsequently invoked the blessings of the entire Ukan nation, committing Aondoakaa to divine protection, strength and victory.
They stressed that when a son carries the hopes of his people, their prayers become his armour, while their blessings provide the strength beneath his wings.
At the reception ground, the convener of the event, Engr. Peter Ashiekaa, warmly welcomed guests and the people of Ushongo, urging them to take pride in what rightfully belonged to them. He emphasized that nothing should be considered more valuable than what a people could proudly call their own and called on them to rally behind their son and defend the opportunity before them.
The Chairman of the occasion and Director-General of the Aondoakaa/Ogbenjuwa Campaign Organization, Dr. Augustine Laha Dzever, expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout and the overwhelming acceptance demonstrated by the people. He described the gathering as proof of Aondoakaa’s strong grassroots connection and urged the people to translate the enthusiasm witnessed at the event into votes during the elections.
Dr. Dzever further stressed that the emergence of a Kwande son on the PDP governorship ticket was not merely a political party decision but a product of the Tiv nation’s commitment to truth, fairness and political equity. He called on the people to protect and consolidate this historic opportunity.
The Guest Speaker and PDP Deputy State Chairman, Hon. Azua Ashongo, delivered a detailed presentation on why Kwande deserved the governorship ticket in 2027. He highlighted the principles of fairness, political balance and inclusiveness underpinning the decision and urged the people of Kwande, particularly Ushongo, not to allow political opportunists and self-serving interests to deprive them of the historic opportunity presented by the PDP.
In a show of cross-party solidarity, the Leader of the Accord Party in Ushongo and former Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Saater Tiseer, alongside the Ushongo Local Government Chairman of the APC, Hon. Ushahemba Tyavkase, openly endorsed Chief Aondoakaa as their preferred governorship candidate.
Their declarations demonstrated that the aspirations of Ushongo transcended partisan affiliations when it came to supporting one of their own.
Also speaking, the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and PDP candidate for Gboko West State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, declared that the government of the day had failed woefully in its responsibility to the people and had demonstrated a troubling lack of accountability. He urged the people to rally behind Aondoakaa, describing his emergence as a crucial opportunity to rescue Benue State and restore purposeful leadership.
Responding to the overwhelming reception and blessings he received at the various locations, Chief Aondoakaa expressed profound gratitude and joy over the love, confidence and solidarity demonstrated by his people.
He assured them that he would never betray the trust reposed in him, promising to remain committed to their welfare and the collective progress of Benue State.
The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice stated that Benue needed a unifier: a leader with the courage, determination and political will to confront insecurity, restore public confidence and steer the state towards peace and prosperity.
He also used the occasion to brief the royal fathers, traditional elders and his kinsmen on the journey so far, expressing appreciation for their encouragement, prayers and goodwill. He described the outpouring of love as deeply humbling and reaffirmed his determination to justify the confidence his people had placed in him.
He said, “For every great journey, there is a people whose prayers light the way. And for every worthy son, there is no greater honour than the blessings of his roots.”
In her vote of thanks, Chief Lady Veronica Gajir, LSM, appreciated the traditional rulers, elders, political leaders, guests and the people of Ushongo for their impressive turnout and overwhelming show of solidarity. She urged them to sustain the spirit of unity and translate their support into action by coming out in their numbers to vote Chief Aondoakaa into office as Governor of Benue State in 2027.
Chief Aondoakaa was accompanied by his wife, Chief Mrs. Susan Aondoakaa, as well as other political associates and family members.
Among those who attended the event was Hon. Aondowase Kunde, a former Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management who recently resigned from Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
