The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has noted reports of a suit filed by four individuals seeking to stop its governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, from contesting the 2027 governorship election.

Ordinarily, we would not dignify such distractions with a response. However, for the benefit of the public, it is necessary to state that the plaintiffs are not members of the PDP and did not participate in the party’s consensus governorship primary election of May 24, 2026, which validly produced Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as the party’s candidate.

As the matter is before the court, we shall refrain from commenting on its merits. We are, however, not unaware of the growing desperation among certain political interests who appear uncomfortable with the widespread acceptance and momentum of the PDP candidate across Benue State.

For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Aondoakaa satisfied all constitutional requirements for election as Governor of Benue State under Sections 177 and 182 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). He has never been convicted, arraigned or indicted for any criminal offence.

The Constitution is clear on the grounds for disqualification from elective office, and no individual or political group can expand those provisions through conjecture or political convenience. Once the Constitution has expressly set out the qualifications and disqualifications for office, opponents cannot invent new barriers simply because they are uncomfortable with a candidate’s growing acceptance among the electorate.

The PDP remains focused on engaging the people of Benue State and presenting practical solutions to the challenges confronting our state including the high rate insecurity which the Alia administration has failed to address.

We will not be distracted by political theatrics masquerading as genuine public interest litigation.

Signed:

Bright Yima Antyo
State Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State

September 23, 2026

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR has joined Nigerians across the nation in celebrating the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON, as she marks her 66th birthday.

In a statement released to commemorate the milestone, Dogara described the First Lady as “a woman of extraordinary grace, resilience, and compassion” whose life and service have been deeply woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s democratic journey. He noted that Senator Tinubu has not only stood unwaveringly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through decades of political struggle and triumph, but has also distinguished herself as a leader, humanitarian, and advocate for the vulnerable.“Senator Oluremi Tinubu has consistently demonstrated humility, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to public service.

Her tireless advocacy for the disadvantaged, her devotion to democratic ideals, and her ability to inspire hope have left an indelible mark on our nation,” Dogara said.The former Speaker recalled her distinguished career in the Senate, where she served three consecutive terms and championed legislations that advanced education, social welfare, and gender equality. He emphasized that her purposeful interventions and humanitarian projects have touched countless lives, reinforcing her reputation as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Dogara further praised her ability to balance her role as a supportive wife to the President with her own leadership responsibilities. “Her loyalty and resilience in standing by Mr. President, while also pursuing her own impactful initiatives, reflect her devotion to the ideals of nation-building and her vision for a progressive Nigeria,” he remarked. He also highlighted her compassion for humanity, noting that her initiatives have empowered women, supported children, and provided relief to disadvantaged communities across the country. “Senator Oluremi Tinubu is more than the First Lady; she is a symbol of strength, humility, and service whose influence transcends politics and resonates deeply with ordinary Nigerians,” Dogara added.

As she celebrates this milestone, Dogara joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers in offering prayers for her continued good health, strength, and fulfilment. “May the Almighty God bless her abundantly, grant the desires of her heart, and endow her with greater grace to remain an icon of leadership and inspiration to generations of Nigerians,” he concluded.The message closed with a celebratory note: “Congratulations and Happy 66th Birthday to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON.

The Amalgamated Civil Society Groups of Nigeria (ACSN) has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), particularly its Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, for its response to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody in Niger State.

The group, however, called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Wale Adegoke, and Secretary, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, the ACSN said the incident required accountability while cautioning against drawing premature conclusions before the completion of investigations.

The group said the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers connected with the incident was an appropriate administrative measure to facilitate an unhindered investigation.

It said anyone found culpable through negligence, dereliction of duty or other misconduct should face appropriate disciplinary or legal consequences.

The ACSN also commended Audi for what it described as steps towards strengthening professionalism and accountability within the NSCDC.

According to the group, efforts by the NSCDC leadership to improve the operational capacity of the Corps, including the provision of a new headquarters for the Niger State Command, reflected an ongoing attempt to improve the working environment and effectiveness of its personnel.

The organisation also noted the clarification by Niger State Governor, Farmer Umaru Bago, regarding the location where the suspects were arrested, saying the clarification was important in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

The ACSN said the broader challenge of illegal mining also required attention, noting that illegal mining had security and economic implications and could not be addressed solely through arrests and enforcement operations.

It urged authorities to investigate the networks facilitating illegal mining and examine the role of individuals who may be enabling the activities to continue.

The group further cautioned against politicising the deaths, stressing that the incident involved human lives and should be treated with seriousness and responsibility.

“Premature conclusions and politically charged narratives could undermine the integrity of the investigation and distract from the need to determine exactly what happened,” the group said.

The ACSN urged civil society organisations, political actors, traditional institutions, security agencies and members of the public to allow the investigative process to run its course.

It also commended the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC for their respective responses to the incident and the broader challenge of illegal mining.

The group called on the NSCDC leadership to sustain institutional reforms, strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and ensure that the outcome of the investigation is communicated to the public in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

It said the incident should reinforce the principle that every life matters and every public officer must be accountable, while security institutions must operate within established professional and legal standards.