Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State has firmly dismissed claims circulating in some media reports and on social media that its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been barred by a Supreme Court judgment from holding public office. In a statement issued on Sunday, July 26, 2026, by the Benue State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Bright Yima Antyo, the party described the allegations as false, politically motivated and aimed at distracting both the party and its candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The party alleged that political opponents were behind what it called a sustained smear campaign against Aondoakaa.
"The latest falsehood being peddled is the baseless claim that our candidate is disqualified from holding office of Governor of Benue State as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This narrative has no constitutional basis and is legally bankrupt. It betrays the desperation of those who have become terrified by the overwhelming acceptance Chief Aondoakaa continues to enjoy across Benue State," the statement read. The PDP stated unequivocally that Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa remains eminently qualified to contest the 2027 governorship election and to hold the office of Governor of Benue State, if elected by the people.
The party maintained that Aondoakaa's record in public service is well documented and open to public scrutiny, stressing that he served as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice without any conviction or legal finding that would disqualify him from contesting for governor. "Throughout his career in public and private lives, no court has convicted him of any crime(s) that should disqualify him from holding the office of Governor of Benue State. Since leaving office in 2010, Chief Aondoakaa has never been arraigned on criminal charges before any court of law or Tribunal. Similarly, he has never been indicted by any administrative Panel or Tribunal established by law," the PDP said.
The controversy centres on a 2021 Supreme Court judgment in Aondoakaa v. Obot & Anor, in which a five-member panel led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili considered an appeal involving Aondoakaa. The PDP argued that the judgment did not impose a blanket prohibition preventing Aondoakaa from holding public office. The party said the continued circulation of the claim was part of an attempt by opposition politicians to undermine the candidacy of Aondoakaa, who emerged as the PDP's candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election. It further argued that if there were any genuine legal grounds to challenge Aondoakaa's eligibility, his opponents had had opportunities to raise such objections during previous electoral contests. The party recalled that Aondoakaa had contested the APC governorship primary in Benue in 2022 against Governor Hyacinth Alia and subsequently challenged the outcome in court.
The PDP also cited Sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution, which outline the qualifications and disqualifications for governorship candidates, arguing that no additional grounds for disqualification can be created outside those constitutional provisions. The party also referenced Section 285(14)(9) of the Constitution, contending that any pre-election challenge to Aondoakaa's nomination would have been required to be filed within the constitutional timeframe. It stated that Aondoakaa emerged as the party's governorship candidate during its primary election held on May 24, 2026, and argued that the period for filing any pre-election action challenging his nomination has since elapsed.
The PDP urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false narratives and political propaganda, insisting that the 2027 governorship election would be decided by the electorate rather than by allegations circulated on social media. Reaffirming its confidence in Aondoakaa, the PDP said its candidate possesses the experience, competence, integrity, and constitutional qualifications required to govern Benue State. It added that no amount of "sponsored falsehood, intimidation or propaganda" would distract the party from presenting its agenda on security, economic recovery, agriculture, industrial development, and responsive governance.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, returned to the PDP in 2026 and subsequently emerged as the party's candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election. The controversy over his eligibility is not new. His media team had earlier cited the Supreme Court's 2021 decision while dismissing claims that he had been permanently barred from holding public office. The PDP said it remained focused on its preparations for the 2027 election and would not allow what it described as politically motivated claims to distract the party or its candidate.
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