The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as its authentic governorship candidate for the 2027 general election, while distancing itself from claims that Mr. Emmanuel Agbo is the party's flag bearer.
The party made its position known in a statement issued in Makurdi by its State Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh, and made available to journalists during the weekend.
According to the statement, Aondoakaa emerged through what it described as a transparent and unanimous consensus process involving party leaders, stakeholders and members across the state.
The PDP maintained that the process reflected the collective will of its members and was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
"For the avoidance of doubt, the Benue State PDP has, through a transparent and unanimous consensus process duly affirmed by party leaders, stakeholders and members, recognised Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the authentic and legitimate governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 elections," the statement read.
The opposition party dismissed reports identifying Emmanuel Agbo as its governorship candidate, describing such claims as false, misleading and capable of creating confusion within the party.
It urged media organisations, security agencies and the general public to disregard any publication, video or public statement portraying Agbo as the PDP's governorship candidate for the 2027 poll.
"The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter, under the chairmanship of Chief Ezekiel Adaji, wishes to unequivocally and categorically state that Emmanuel Agbo is not and has never been the governorship candidate of our great party for the 2027 general elections," the statement added.
The party further described any material presenting Agbo as its governorship standard-bearer as "a deliberate falsehood, a calculated act of impersonation, and a clear attempt to deceive the good people of Benue State."
It warned that it would not tolerate attempts by any individual or group to misrepresent the party's position or create uncertainty over its governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP reiterated its commitment to party unity and urged members to remain focused and support its recognised leadership as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
