Benue people in Plateau backs Aondoakaa to unseat Alia

Benue people living in Plateau State have declared support for Mike Kaase Aondoakaa, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to unseat Governor Hyacinth Alia in the 2027 governorship election.

The group made its position known on Thursday in Jos during a courtesy visit to Jessica Aondoakaa, a former deputy chairman of Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State and wife of the former Attorney General of the Federation where members of the Central Planning Committee (CPC) briefed her on preparations for Aondoakaa’s proposed visit to Benue people living in Plateau State on October 31st, 2026.

The group said it believed Aondoakaa’s experience in public service, leadership qualities and previous contributions to the development of Benue State and Nigeria at large positioned him to address the state’s challenges, particularly poverty and economic hardship.

Douglas Achala, the Chief of Igede on the Plateau, in his remarks, expressed support for Aondoakaa, saying the people of Benue needed leadership capable of addressing their economic difficulties and promoting unity among the state’s ethnic groups.

He said that the shared interests of tribes in Benue state made it important for the people to support a leader who would promote development and improve their welfare.

Peter Amede, the President of Idoma people on the Plateau also acknowledged Aondoakaa’s antecedents in public service, expressing optimism that his experience would help address the challenges facing Benue State if he became governor.

He called for unity among Benue people, saying the State needs a leader who would prioritise the people’s welfare, tackle poverty and create opportunities for economic growth.

Emmanuel Hemba, a Professor and chairman of the CPC, particularly praised Aondoakaa’s role in establishing a rice-processing industry at a time when demand for imported rice was high, describing the initiative as evidence of his interest in economic development.

Hemba said Benue people were experiencing hardship and needed purposeful leadership that could revive economic activities, strengthen local industries and create opportunities for residents.

“Benue people are suffering and need someone who can take them out of poverty. We believe Aondoakaa has the experience and capacity to provide the leadership the state needs,” Prof. Hemba said.

The president of Idoma, in his remarks, said the people expected a government that would recognise the contributions of different communities and ensure that development reached all parts of the state.

“We want leadership that will unite our people, promote development and address the challenges confronting Benue State,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Aondoakaa’s experience and public service record could help reposition the state, urging Benue people to support efforts aimed at improving their welfare.

“We appreciate his antecedents and believe that, with the right leadership, Benue State can overcome poverty and move towards sustainable development,” he said.

In her remarks, Jessica said her husband’s journey to prominence reflected God’s timing and purpose, noting that his background and educational experiences had shaped his leadership capacity.

She said Aondoakaa’s relationships across the State’s political and cultural divides, including through his family, demonstrated his connection with the different zones of Benue and his understanding of their interests.

The wife of the gubernatorial candidate also said she was prepared to serve as a link between the group and her husband, particularly by helping to communicate the concerns of Benue people living outside the state.

She identified accessibility, effective communication, listening, consultation, interaction and willingness to receive advice as important qualities of leadership, expressing confidence that her husband possessed the attributes needed to lead the state.

She also urged the group to agree on a convenient time of October 31st, 2026 for Aondoakaa’s proposed visit, stressing that the meeting should serve as a planning platform where members could deliberate on and coordinate the necessary arrangements.