2027: Alia’s second term depends on Benue voters – PDP’s Aondoakaa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s bid for a second term in 2027 will be determined solely by the electorate.

Aondoakaa made the statement on Monday in Makurdi while addressing journalists, expressing confidence that the incumbent administration could be voted out at the 2027 governorship election.

The PDP candidate rejected the argument that sitting governors in Benue had always secured re-election, describing a second term as a mandate that must be earned from voters rather than an entitlement.

He argued that the law provides for an initial four-year tenure, while the decision to extend a governor’s stay in office rests with the people through the ballot.

“The law does not give a governor eight years. It gives a governor four years. The other four years are what the people give you,” he said.

Aondoakaa said his confidence in the PDP’s chances was driven by concerns over what he described as the current administration’s limited accessibility, insecurity and unequal spread of development across Benue.

He maintained that previous governors who successfully returned for another term had built stronger relationships with residents by remaining accessible and responsive.

According to him, citizens place considerable value on being able to reach their leaders, adding that accessibility can strengthen the bond between a government and the people.

“People in Benue value access. If our governor cannot be accessed, who will vote for you again? Even if you don’t give them anything, the fact that they come to you and you welcome them and talk to them, they feel at home,” Aondoakaa said.

He maintained that voters would have the final say in 2027, urging the electorate to judge the Alia administration based on its record before deciding whether to grant it another four-year mandate.