…even as Michael Aondoakaa resigns from APC, he expressed profound appreciation to Tinubu.
Makurdi, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that Michael Aondoakaa resigns from APC in a move that is already reshaping political calculations in Benue State ahead of future electoral contests.
Chief Michael Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a personally signed statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Makurdi. The development marks a significant turning point in Benue’s evolving political landscape, particularly as Aondoakaa had been one of the leading governorship aspirants under the APC platform in the state.
According to the former minister, his resignation took effect on March 28, following what he described as careful reflection and extensive consultations with family members, political associates, and supporters.
“While I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the growth of the party at various levels during my membership, prevailing circumstances have made it necessary for me to take this step in the overall interest of my people and democratic values,” Aondoakaa stated.
Strategic Exit After Consultations
The statement did not explicitly detail the prevailing circumstances that informed his decision. However, political observers in Benue suggest the move may not be unconnected with internal party dynamics and shifting alignments ahead of governorship positioning in the state.
Before his resignation, Aondoakaa was widely regarded as one of the prominent APC governorship aspirants in Benue. His departure from the party therefore introduces fresh uncertainty into the political equation and could alter calculations within both the ruling party and opposition blocs.
Despite stepping away from the APC, Aondoakaa maintained a tone of gratitude and reconciliation in his statement, thanking party members at various levels for their cooperation and support throughout his membership.
He specifically appreciated the leadership and members of the APC in Ushongo Local Government Area, across Benue State, and beyond, acknowledging their contributions during his political engagement within the party structure.
Praise for Tinubu and Akume
Interestingly, even as Michael Aondoakaa resigns from APC, he expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending what he described as visionary leadership and sustained support to Benue State under the current administration.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the visionary leadership he has continued to provide for our nation as well as for the support and attention which Benue has enjoyed under his administration,” he said.
He further assured the President of his continued loyalty to the Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling that his resignation may not necessarily translate into opposition to the federal government.
Aondoakaa also extended appreciation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, whom he credited for providing quality leadership to the APC in Benue State.
“I acknowledge his role in shaping the political landscape of our dear state and assure him of my enduring respect,” he added.
The tone of his message suggests a carefully managed political exit rather than an outright confrontation.
Silence on Next Political Move
While the resignation has generated considerable discussion within Benue political circles, Aondoakaa did not disclose his next political platform or immediate plans. Instead, he urged his supporters and associates to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast.
“A new direction aimed at salvaging and repositioning Benue in the best interest of our people will be communicated in due course,” he stated.
The phrase “new direction” has since sparked speculation about a potential defection to another political party or the formation of a strategic political coalition.
Emerging Pattern of High-Profile Resignations
The development comes amid a growing pattern of high-profile political resignations across the country. As earlier reported by The iNews Times, former Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere also resigned from APC in a move that signaled shifting allegiances in the South-East.
With Michael Aondoakaa resigning from APC in Benue and Eze Madumere’s earlier exit in Imo State, analysts suggest Nigeria’s political landscape may be entering a phase of realignment ahead of future electoral cycles.
Political observers note that such resignations often precede broader coalitions, internal restructuring, or emerging alternative political platforms.
Implications for Benue Politics
Benue State remains a politically strategic state in Nigeria’s North-Central region. Aondoakaa’s exit from the APC may:
- Reshape governorship aspirant positioning within the party.
- Influence support bases in Ushongo Local Government Area.
- Trigger fresh consultations among stakeholders across party lines.
Given his stature as a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Aondoakaa’s political decisions carry weight beyond local party structures.
His long-standing involvement in national politics and legal affairs positions him as a figure whose next move could attract attention not only within Benue but at the national level.
What Comes Next?
For now, the immediate consequence is clear: Michael Aondoakaa resigns from APC, creating a political vacuum in the party’s governorship contest calculations in Benue.
Whether he aligns with another party or announces an independent political pathway remains to be seen. What is certain is that his “new direction” promise suggests further developments in the coming weeks.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor unfolding political realignments in Benue State and across Nigeria, bringing readers timely updates and in-depth analysis as events develop.
