2027: No law says governor must serve eight years – Ex-AGF Aondoakaa

Chief Michael Aondoakaa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, has declared that the 2027 governorship election will allow voters to decide whether Governor Hyacinth Alia should continue in office. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Monday, Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, dismissed claims that an incumbent governor in Benue has never been defeated while seeking re-election.

He emphasized that occupying the position for a second term is not an automatic entitlement, as per the Constitution, which grants a governor an initial four-year term and a subsequent four years contingent upon the electorate's decision. "The law does not grant a governor eight years," Aondoakaa stated. "It provides four years, and the final four are bestowed by the people."

The PDP candidate attributed his confidence in unseating the incumbent administration to perceived shortcomings, such as limited access to the populace, escalating insecurity, and an uneven distribution of developmental resources across the state. Aondoakaa underscored the importance of accessibility as a factor in the re-election of previous governors, asserting that constituents favor leaders who maintain close connections with them.

He stressed that political office holders must remain approachable to their constituents, fostering an environment where citizens feel acknowledged and appreciated. Aondoakaa maintained that the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately rest with the people of Benue, urging voters to evaluate the performance of the incumbent administration before determining whether to extend its mandate.