The conferment of Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) on Senator (Dr.) Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru (SRJ) has drawn widespread commendation, with notable tributes from leaders across sectors. Among them is Prince Abdulrasheed Muideen Romeo, founder of the Prince Romeo Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Savewell Luxurious Homes Estate Developer, one of the largest estate developers in Abuja.In his congratulatory message, Prince Romeo described Senator Basiru as a father, mentor, and guardian, praising his dedication to human development and principled leadership. “Your commitment, sacrifice, principles, and dedication to human development have earned you this prestigious intellectual award and recognition,” he stated, noting that the senator’s efforts, though often carried out privately and independently, have been widely acknowledged.Prince Romeo’s tribute is particularly significant given his own dual legacy in philanthropy and enterprise. Through Savewell Luxurious Homes, he has played a transformative role in Abuja’s real estate sector, delivering modern and sustainable housing solutions that have reshaped the city’s landscape. His company’s reputation as one of the largest estate developers in the capital underscores his influence in urban development and his commitment to providing opportunities for families to thrive.Beyond business, Prince Romeo’s foundation has championed youth empowerment, education, and community development. His recognition of Senator Basiru’s achievement reflects the synergy between public service and private enterprise — two leaders united by a shared vision of uplifting society.Senator Basiru’s conferment as a CIPM Fellow marks another milestone in a career defined by scholarship, law, and governance. Known for his intellectual depth and passion for human capital development, he has consistently promoted ethical standards and organizational excellence. The CIPM Fellowship, reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to personnel management, affirms his enduring impact on Nigeria’s professional and political landscapes.Prince Romeo’s message also underscores the importance of mentorship in nation-building. “Congratulations once again, my Father, Mentor, and Guardian. You are celebrated, honored, and deeply appreciated,” he wrote, reaffirming his admiration for the senator’s guidance and moral compass.As associates and admirers continue to celebrate Senator Basiru’s achievement, Prince Romeo’s tribute stands out for its blend of reverence and professional recognition. It highlights the diverse ways leaders contribute to national progress — whether through governance, personnel development, or enterprise. Together, Senator Basiru and Prince Romeo exemplify the values of integrity, service, and vision that Nigeria needs to advance its future.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has accused political interests aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia of attempting to distract its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, through a court action challenging his eligibility to contest the election.

The party made the allegation in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima, following the filing of a suit by four Benue indigenes seeking to prevent Aondoakaa from contesting the 2027 governorship election.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2152/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP and Aondoakaa. The plaintiffs are David Ejembi, Aondoaver Teryila, Joseph Okpanachi and Benedict Orkume. They are asking the court to restrain Aondoakaa from contesting and prevent the PDP from sponsoring him.

The plaintiffs based their case on a previous Supreme Court judgment involving Aondoakaa and argued that the decision has implications for his eligibility to hold public office. The matter is pending before the Federal High Court, which has not yet determined the substantive issues raised in the suit.

Reacting to the development, the Benue PDP said the plaintiffs were not members of the party and did not participate in its May 24, 2026 governorship primary that produced Aondoakaa as its candidate.

“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,” the statement said.

The party said it would refrain from commenting on the merits of the case because it was before the court, but alleged that the litigation reflected growing political opposition to Aondoakaa.

“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,” the party said.

The PDP maintained that Aondoakaa satisfied the constitutional requirements for election as governor, citing Sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The party further argued that the constitutional provisions on qualification and disqualification from elective office should not be extended through political interpretation.

“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,” it said.

The party said it remained focused on campaigning on issues affecting residents of Benue State, particularly insecurity, which it accused the Alia administration of failing to adequately address.

The PDP also rejected what it described as attempts to distract its candidate through what it termed “political theatrics masquerading as genuine public interest litigation.”

The legal challenge comes amid heightened political activity in Benue ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The Federal High Court has granted an application for substituted service on Aondoakaa after the plaintiffs’ lawyer told the court that he had been unable to serve him personally. The case has been adjourned until September 29 for further mention.

The court proceedings will determine the legal questions raised by the plaintiffs, while the competing political claims surrounding the case remain matters of partisan interpretation.

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