Politics
PDP Rejects Claims Aondoakaa Is Barred From Holding Public Office
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has dismissed claims circulating on social media and in some media reports alleging that its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), is barred by a Supreme Court judgment from holding public office.
In a statement issued by the party’s Benue State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the PDP described the allegations as false, politically motivated, and intended to distract the party and its candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to the statement, the party said the claims are part of a sustained campaign by political opponents to tarnish Aondoakaa’s reputation.
The party maintained that there is no constitutional or legal basis for the allegation, insisting that Aondoakaa remains qualified to contest the 2027 governorship election.
The PDP stated that Aondoakaa served as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice without any criminal conviction or judicial finding that would disqualify him from seeking elective office.
According to the statement, Aondoakaa has not been convicted of any offence, arraigned before any court on criminal charges, or indicted by any lawfully constituted administrative panel or tribunal since leaving office in 2010.
The PDP also pointed to Aondoakaa’s previous participation in governorship contests, including the PDP governorship primary in 2015 and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in 2022 alongside Governor Hyacinth Alia and other aspirants.
The party argued that no legal challenge was filed against his eligibility during those electoral processes and noted that Aondoakaa himself challenged the outcome of the 2022 APC governorship primary up to the Court of Appeal before deciding not to proceed to the Supreme Court following what it described as intervention by the APC leadership.
The statement further cited Sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outline the qualifications and disqualifications for governorship candidates, arguing that no additional grounds for disqualification can be created outside those constitutional provisions.
The PDP 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 party 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.
The PDP concluded by reiterating that Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN) remains its duly nominated governorship candidate for the 2027 Benue State governorship election.
By Jabiru Hassan
A former Speaker of the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Council, Ado Abdu Yumfawa, has described former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as a leader committed to promoting peace and unity in the state’s political landscape.
Yumfawa made the statement in an interview with journalists in Kano, saying Ganduje had demonstrated commitment to peaceful coexistence and political stability in the state. He also commended Ganduje for engaging APC stakeholders from Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area in discussions on party unity and progress.
According to Yumfawa, the meeting reflected efforts to strengthen cooperation among party members and improve the APC’s prospects in Kano and the country. “His Excellency Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a true democrat who is always working to make our party stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Yumfawa expressed optimism about the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, attributing his confidence to what he described as increased unity within the party in Kano State. He also called on residents of Kano State to support the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and cooperate with the government to promote good governance and development.
Politics
Tinubu Meets Folarin as APC Intensifies Reconciliation Ahead of Oyo 2027 Governorship Election
By Abigail David
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with former Senate Leader and former Oyo State governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, in Abuja, amid ongoing efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
According to a source familiar with the meeting, the discussions focused on reconciling key party stakeholders and mobilising support for the APC’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli.
Folarin was the APC candidate in the 2023 governorship election, where he lost to incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He did not contest the party’s 2027 primary, which produced Alli as the APC candidate.
The source said the meeting formed part of the party’s reconciliation efforts following disagreements that emerged during the governorship nomination process.
According to the source, President Tinubu assured Folarin that his supporters would be considered in future political arrangements at both the state and federal levels. The source also said Folarin is expected to brief his supporters on the outcome of the meeting.
Alli emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate after consultations among party leaders, although the process was challenged by some aspirants and party members.
The APC has since called on aggrieved members to close ranks as it seeks to reclaim Oyo State from the PDP, which has been in power since 2019.
By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
A former Speaker of the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Legislative Council in Kano State, Hon. Ado Abdu Yumfawa, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will remain united and perform strongly in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Kano, Yumfawa said he believes the ruling party has continued to strengthen its internal structures and is focused on governance at the federal, state and local government levels.
According to him, the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are aimed at promoting national development despite the economic and governance challenges facing the country. “Our party, the All Progressives Congress, is growing stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections. From what our leaders are doing, we believe Nigeria will continue to make progress,” Yumfawa said.
He commended President Tinubu’s administration for its economic policies, expressing optimism that Nigerians would experience the benefits of ongoing reforms over time.Yumfawa also urged party members to remain united and continue supporting initiatives they believe will contribute to national development. His remarks come as political discussions and consultations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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