By Asawa Joseph In what party faithful describe as a landmark political realignment, a special delegation of critical APC leaders from Kwande Local Government Area Thursday paid a solidarity visit to the Benue State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, in Makurdi. The visit, the first official engagement of Chief Aondoakaa after his return to the state, signaled growing momentum for the "Kwande Agenda" which is the collective push to produce the next governor of Benue State from Kwande after 46 years. The development also appeared to confirm a loose working arrangement between the PDP and elements of the APC in what is being touted as 'constructive partnership', championed by former governor Samuel Ortom seeking to oust Governor Hyacinth from power in next year's elections. Led by Chief Julius Ikima, the 30-man delegation was drawn from across the two major factions of APC in Kwande, cutting across Turan, Ikyurav-Ya, Nanev, and Shangev-Ya intermediate areas. They were coordinated and led into Chief Aondoakaa’s Guest House in Judges Quarters by the PDP State Vice Chairman, Chief Azua Ashongo, who described the visitors as "the main nucleus of APC in Kwande" and the hub that had provided strength to the party in the area. Presenting their mission, Chief Ikima told the governorship candidate that the PDP had earned their trust by providing Kwande with the two major political slots of Governor and Senate without rancour. "Kwande as a nation really longs for Governor and Senator, and PDP provided those slots for us without challenge," Chief Ikima said. "For that reason alone, we have come to meet you and we are also here to formally invite you to come in person and welcome thousands of us into the PDP fold at an elaborate ceremony in Adikpo town." The delegation came with a unifying slogan: "Kwande Agenda", to which the response was a thunderous "PDP Ngohol Se", meaning; "PDP has accepted us". Receiving the delegation, Chief Aondoakaa expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity and said the development had strengthened his resolve to seek the mandate to govern Benue with pride. He commended the APC group for promoting "Kwande Agenda" as well as uniting the LGA under one umbrella, a foundation he credited to the leadership of former Governor Chief Samuel Ortom. "The agenda of Kwande to unite has provided a solid foundation for us to put Benue on the right pedestal," Aondoakaa said. "I advise you to remain more united and reach out to the larger Benue community so that we can realize a Kwande governor, something that has eluded us for 46 years running." The solidarity meeting had in attendance prominent Kwande PDP leaders who came to witness the historic Re-Alighnment. They included Comrade Joseph Shimaor, Coordinator of PDP G-14 from Kwande; Hon. Abanyi Suugh, Nanev PDP Leader in Diaspora; Hon. Orjiir Gbande; State PDP Youth Leader, David Mzer; and former Ushongo Council Chairman, Hon. Asawa Joseph. Other leaders were Elder Berver Tersugh Joseph, Elder Asombo Ifyan, Elder Kange Kpamber, Mama Comfort Tyoga, Asor Igba Nongo, and Alu Shagbaor — all recognized leaders at the intermediate clan levels. Political observers say the Re-Alighnment of key APC stakeholders from Kwande to PDP underscores a growing consensus in Zone A that 2027 presents the best opportunity for Kwande to clinch the governorship.

Posted: 2weeks ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 14 August 2026