Nigerian Concord Newspaper
There are journeys that leave little impression after they end, and there are those that linger in the mind long after the return flight has landed. My recent trip to Lagos with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, belongs firmly in the latter category.
For two days, I watched a remarkable display of affection, confidence and hope as Benue sons and daughters resident in Nigeria’s commercial capital rolled out the red carpet for a man they believe possesses the experience and capacity to lead their state at a critical moment in its history.
From the moment we arrived in Lagos on Friday, October 2, 2026, it became clear that this was more than a routine political visit. It was an opportunity for a community far from home to reconnect with its roots and participate in conversations about the future of Benue State.
The first major engagement was a dinner hosted by the Lagos Support Network for MKA 2027, a platform of accomplished Benue professionals and stakeholders determined to contribute to the conversation about the state’s future.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The hall was filled with accomplished men and women whose careers have taken them far beyond the borders of Benue but whose hearts remain deeply connected to the land of their birth. They came not merely to listen but to engage, interrogate and understand the vision of a man seeking to govern their homeland.
Leading the welcome was the Convener of the Lagos Support Network for MKA, Hon. Paul Ahom Akinde. His message captured the mood in the hall. He spoke of Aondoakaa’s experience, leadership credentials and long years of public service, expressing confidence that the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice possesses the qualities needed to move Benue forward.
What followed was a rich and engaging conversation. Chief Aondoakaa spoke passionately about his vision for Benue State. Security, agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic development dominated his presentation. He painted a picture of a state where farmers can safely return to their fields, where young people can find meaningful opportunities and where government works deliberately to create prosperity for its people.
The questions that followed reflected both the sophistication and concern of the audience. Distinguished personalities including the President-General of Mdzough U Tiv, Lagos Chapter, Engr. Theophilus Ukaa, PhD; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Augustine Audu; President of Tiv Youths in Lagos, Hon. Joseph Nande; representative of the Idoma community, Barr. Paul Okwori; representative of the Igede community, Mr. Jolly Ogbodo; and Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Taver Ikuan, all contributed meaningfully to the discussions.
Many participants recalled Aondoakaa’s support for professionals during his years in national service. Others sought deeper insights into how he intends to tackle insecurity, revive economic activity and restore confidence in governance.
The discussions continued late into the evening, providing a rare opportunity for direct interaction between a governorship candidate and a highly informed audience.
After the dinner, we proceeded to the residence of the Grand Patron of Mdzough U Tiv, Lagos State Chapter, Chief Engr. Sylvanus Gasarah, in Ikeja. The visit was both symbolic and significant, reflecting the respect accorded traditional community leadership structures and the importance of maintaining strong ties within the Benue diaspora.
On Friday, October 3, 2026, the LTV Hall in Ikeja became the meeting point for a broader gathering of Benue sons and daughters resident in Lagos. The event, described as a Strategic Political Engagement, attracted a diverse audience united by a common desire to see Benue regain its footing.
Again, the conversations were robust and sincere. Speaker after speaker reflected on the challenges confronting the state and the leadership qualities required to address them. Hon. Paul Ahom Akinde, Hon. Joseph Nande and Barr. Paul Okwori each expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s ability to govern Benue effectively, citing his experience, exposure and understanding of governance.
The interactive session, expertly anchored by Mr. Daniel Kajo, gave participants the opportunity to raise issues that matter deeply to them. Security featured prominently. So did agriculture, industrialisation, economic growth, political tensions and the imperative of strengthening unity among the diverse peoples of Benue.
Chief Aondoakaa responded thoughtfully, outlining his vision while emphasizing that no meaningful progress can occur without collective commitment, responsible leadership and a shared sense of purpose.
Then came the defining moment of the engagement. The representative of the Igede community, Mr. Jolly Ogbodo, moved a motion expressing confidence in Chief Aondoakaa and endorsing his governorship ambition. The response was immediate and overwhelming. The motion received unanimous support from the gathering.
In that moment, the hall transformed from a venue for discussion into a platform for collective declaration. The endorsement was not merely procedural; it was emotional, enthusiastic and genuine.
As I observed the reactions around the hall, one message stood out clearly: many members of the Benue community in Lagos believe that the challenges confronting the state require experienced leadership and that Aondoakaa possesses the qualities necessary for the task.
The event concluded with remarks by the President-General of Mdzough U Tiv, Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Theophilus Ukaa, PhD, who thanked the PDP candidate for engaging directly with the community and commended participants for their enduring commitment to the progress of Benue State.
As we departed Lagos the next day, I reflected on the significance of the outing. Beyond the speeches, endorsements and photographs, the visit revealed something deeper. It demonstrated that distance has not diminished the interest of Benue people in the affairs of their state. Whether in Makurdi, Katsina-Ala, Otukpo, Gboko or Lagos, the desire for peace, security, unity and development remains strong.
For Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, the Lagos engagements provided an opportunity to present his ideas before a critical audience. For the Benue community in Lagos, they offered a chance to participate in shaping conversations about the future of their homeland.
For me, as an eyewitness to the events, the most enduring memory will be the sight of Benue sons and daughters from different backgrounds, professions and ethnic identities coming together in one hall, united by a common hope for a better Benue.
That, perhaps, was the real story of Lagos.