Chief Michael Aondoakaa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Benue State, has pledged to create at least 100,000 jobs annually for young people if elected governor in the 2027 election. The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice made the commitment while addressing a large gathering of commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, in the state capital, Makurdi.
The motorcycle operators converged at the Agan Toll Gate to welcome Aondoakaa back to Makurdi following his political engagements in Abuja. They accompanied him in a long procession through parts of the city, which culminated in a carnival-like gathering at his residence along George Akume Way, where they publicly expressed support for his 2027 aspirations.
During his address, Aondoakaa vowed to tackle political thuggery by expanding economic opportunities for the youth. He stated that the energy of Benue’s young people should be channeled toward productive ventures rather than political violence, emphasizing that they need jobs, access to capital, and opportunities to develop sustainable businesses instead of being recruited as instruments of political intimidation.
The PDP candidate outlined a strategy to prioritize economic opportunities that enable young people to become gainfully self-employed and financially independent. He promised to encourage the formation of viable cooperatives, allowing young entrepreneurs, artisans, motorcycle operators, and farmers to access financial support for establishing or expanding their businesses.
“My government would deliberately partner with the private sector through agriculture, agro-processing, MSMEs, construction, manufacturing, technology, services to stimulate investment and employment opportunities, with a target of creating not fewer than 100,000 jobs every year,” Aondoakaa said.
He further argued that expanding employment and enterprise opportunities would reduce the vulnerability of young people to recruitment for political violence and other forms of criminality. Aondoakaa also rejected the development of personality cults around political office holders, stating that he would not permit supporters to adopt the slogan “No Aondoakaa, No Benue,” asserting that the state belongs to its people and is greater than any individual occupying the governorship.
This reception by the commercial motorcycle operators is part of a series of political engagements Aondoakaa has undertaken with various political, professional, and community groups ahead of the 2027 governorship election. In recent weeks, several groups have publicly identified with his candidature and declared their support for his campaign.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
