Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, has promised to create at least 100,000 jobs annually for youths if elected governor in 2027. Aondoakaa made this pledge while addressing a large crowd of commercial motorcycle operators in Makurdi. He emphasized that his administration would focus on providing jobs, access to capital, and sustainable economic opportunities to the state's youths.
Aondoakaa's administration plans to work with the private sector to attract investment and create jobs in various sectors, including agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, construction, technology, services, and small and medium-scale enterprises. He believes that this approach will help replace political thuggery with economic empowerment and opportunities for the state's youths. Aondoakaa's campaign has been focusing on security, agriculture, jobs and enterprise, education, healthcare, and accountable governance.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice warned that youths should not be recruited as instruments of political intimidation when they could be empowered to become economically independent. He promised to promote viable cooperatives through which entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, and commercial motorcycle operators could access financial support to establish or expand their businesses.
Aondoakaa's pledge to create jobs and promote economic opportunities is part of his campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 governorship election. According to James Ian, Media Aide to the candidate, the reception by the motorcycle operators is the latest in a series of engagements by Aondoakaa with political, professional, and community groups. Several groups have recently expressed support for his candidature.
Aondoakaa also rejected the development of personality cults around political office holders, saying he would not allow supporters to promote the slogan, “No Aondoakaa, No Benue.” He emphasized that Benue belongs to its people and is greater than any individual occupying the office of governor. “Leadership should be about service to the people, not about elevating an individual above the state or its people,” he stressed.
The PDP candidate's campaign has gained momentum, with various groups expressing support for his candidature. Aondoakaa's focus on jobs, enterprise development, agriculture, education, security, healthcare, and accountable governance is expected to resonate with the state's electorate. His administration's plan to work with the private sector to attract investment and create jobs is seen as a viable strategy to address the state's economic challenges.
Aondoakaa's campaign is expected to continue to engage with various stakeholders ahead of the 2027 governorship election. His pledge to create 100,000 jobs annually has been seen as a bold move to address the state's unemployment challenges. If elected, Aondoakaa's administration will face the task of implementing his campaign promises and delivering on his vision for the state's economic development.
Key points
- Aondoakaa promises to create 100,000 jobs annually for Benue youths if elected governor in 2027.
- Aondoakaa's administration plans to work with the private sector to attract investment and create jobs in various sectors.
- Aondoakaa rejects the development of personality cults around political office holders.
