The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state has dismissed claims that its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the poll.In a statement by State Publicity Secretary Bright Antyo, the party called the allegations false, misleading, and politically motivated.

Antyo emphasized that no court has convicted Aondoakaa of any offence that would bar him from seeking elective office, noting he has never been arraigned on criminal charges since leaving office in 2010.

The PDP cited Sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to argue that no additional grounds for disqualification exist beyond constitutional provisions.

They also highlighted Section 285(14)(9) of the Constitution, which sets a 14-day window for pre-election challenges, stating that the deadline has expired, making any legal action against Aondoakaa statute-barred.

The party reaffirmed Aondoakaa's status as their governorship candidate following the May 24, 2026 primary election, pledging to focus on security, economic recovery, and governance in the campaign.

The PDP urged the public to disregard what it called 'false narratives' and emphasized that the election would be decided by the electorate, not 'skewed social media propaganda.'