2027: Kwande elders back Aondoakaa, give reasons

Nigerian Concord Newspaper

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate for Benue State in the 2027 elections, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has received the blessings and endorsement of traditional elders, community leaders and stakeholders from Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas, who pledged their support for his governorship ambition.

The gathering, convened yesterday by the Movement for the Actualisation of Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition 2027, brought together prominent elders and leaders from various clans across the two local government areas in a show of unity, solidarity and commitment to the aspiration of their son.

In his welcome address, the convener of the movement, Wantaregh Ikem Leonard, welcomed leaders and elders from the various clans to the gathering. He expressed appreciation to the PDP for listening to the aspirations of the people and giving one of their own the opportunity to contest for the governorship of Benue State in 2027.

Presenting the governorship candidate to his people, the Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Azua Ashongo, recalled that it had been 46 years since Kwande last produced a governor. He explained that the PDP, under the leadership of Chief Samuel Ortom, considered it appropriate to zone the party’s 2027 governorship ticket to Kwande in recognition of the area’s longstanding aspiration.

Hon. Ashongo urged the people to take ownership of the project, emphasising that Aondoakaa’s ambition should not be regarded merely as a political party affair but as a collective community project requiring the commitment and support of all.

He subsequently entrusted the governorship project to the elders of Kwande and Ushongo, urging them to provide the necessary guidance, prayers and support to ensure its success.

Speaking on behalf of the people of Ushongo, Engr. Peter Ashiekaa expressed gratitude to their brothers and sisters in Kwande for the show of solidarity and unity.

He assured the gathering that the people of Ushongo would stand firmly behind Aondoakaa, expressing confidence that he would not disappoint Kwande or the people of Benue State if elected governor. He, however, urged the candidate to always remember the aspirations and development needs of Kwande.

In his remarks, the President of KUPO, Comrade Aloko Nachi, declared the organisation’s full support for Aondoakaa, describing him as a son of KUPO and a candidate whose aspiration had united the people of Kwande and Ushongo.

He affirmed that the people were united in their resolve to support Aondoakaa’s ambition and called for sustained cooperation among the various communities to achieve their collective goal.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional elders, the leader of the IKyurav Supreme Council, Elder Ikyem Ayoosu Nathaniel, expressed pride in Aondoakaa and declared the elders’ readiness to support his governorship ambition.

He cautioned against any suggestion that Kwande was divided over the candidature, stressing that the people had put aside differences and united behind their son, irrespective of the part of Kwande from which he originated.

Elder Ayoosu maintained that the prayers and aspirations of the people had been answered and formally bestowed the blessings of the Kwande nation on Aondoakaa, urging him to go forth with confidence and pursue what he described as a just cause.

Responding, Aondoakaa expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and support from the people of Kwande and Ushongo.

He described the gathering as a humbling experience and acknowledged the significance of the confidence reposed in him by the elders, community leaders and stakeholders.

The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice stated that his ambition was driven by a commitment to serve the people and advance the collective interests of Benue State.

He explained that if a fellow aspirant from Kwande Mbarakuu had emerged as the candidate, he would have willingly stepped aside to support him. However, having emerged as the PDP’s flag bearer, he said he was determined to pursue the opportunity presented to their people and would not retreat from the responsibility entrusted to him.

Aondoakaa assured the elders that he would not betray their confidence or disappoint the people if elected governor.

He also highlighted some of his development priorities, including the proposed opening of a strategic trade route connecting Kwande to the Douala Port in Cameroon. According to him, the initiative would create new economic opportunities, strengthen cross-border trade and position Kwande and Benue State as a major commercial hub serving Northern Nigeria.

The governorship candidate further appealed to the elders and people of Kwande to extend the same support to other PDP candidates from the area, particularly the party’s Benue North-East Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Thomas Tyolumun Unongo; the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Moses Mkeenem; and all PDP candidates contesting for seats in the Benue State House of Assembly from the area.

He stressed that the success of the various candidates would be enhanced by unity, cooperation and a shared commitment to the development of Kwande and Benue State.

Aondoakaa urged the people to work together as a team, noting that a united front would strengthen their collective voice and improve their capacity to attract development to their communities.

The meeting brought together elders and community leaders from Nanev, IKyurav, Shangev and Turan clans of Kwande, as well as Mata and Mbagwa of Ushongo Local Government Area.

Aondoakaa was accompanied by his mother, Mama Veronica Aondoakaa; the Benue North-East Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Thomas Tyolumun Unongo, who was represented by Hon. Chief Emma Viashima; Dr. Tersoo Loko former BSIEC boss, the former Majority leader of the State House of Assembly Hon. Thomas Dugeri and the PDP candidates for the Benue State House of Assembly representing Mata and Mbagwa, Hon. Bemgba Iortyom and Hon. Bemson Agugu, respectively. Other stakeholders, community leaders and elders from Ushongo were also present at the gathering.