The 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful after some of his campaign materials were allegedly burnt by hoodlums in the state. Aondoakaa made the appeal in a statement personally signed by him and made available to journalists in Makurdi. He expressed deep concern over the unfortunate development, but emphasized that his movement, "Benue First," stands for peace, security, justice, tolerance, and the rule of law.
Aondoakaa's appeal was in reaction to a viral video showing some persons pouring petrol on and setting fire to campaign T-shirts bearing his image. He urged his supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding despite the alleged provocation. Aondoakaa emphasized that no act of provocation should cause them to abandon the principles upon which their campaign is founded.
The PDP candidate stated that his movement has presented itself to the people of Benue as a credible alternative, believing that politics should be about ideas, solutions, and service, not hatred, intimidation, or violence. He called on his supporters not to retaliate, destroy anyone's campaign materials, engage in violence, or allow themselves to be provoked into actions that will tarnish the noble cause they represent under the PDP.
Aondoakaa further urged his supporters not to be distracted by attempts to provoke them into disorder. He said those who seek to provoke them into anger and disorder have a purpose - to distract them from their message and create confusion. Aondoakaa emphasized that his supporters must disappoint those who expect them to respond with bitterness and violence.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said the strength of his movement, "Benue First," does not lie in campaign posters, banners, or billboards, but on the support and aspirations of the people. He stated that the movement's strength lies in the conviction of the people, in their shared vision for a safer and more prosperous Benue, and in their collective determination to restore hope to the state.
Aondoakaa emphasized that campaign materials can be destroyed, but the aspirations of the people cannot be burned. He said the desire for peace cannot be set ablaze, and the demand for good governance cannot be intimidated into silence. The PDP candidate remains optimistic that his movement will succeed in the state.
The incident has raised concerns about the level of political tension in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Aondoakaa's call for calm and peace is seen as a move to promote peaceful campaigns and prevent further escalation of violence in the state. The development is being closely monitored by stakeholders and residents in Benue State.
Key points
- - Benue PDP guber candidate Michael Aondoakaa urges supporters to remain calm and peaceful after campaign materials were burnt. - Aondoakaa's movement, "Benue First," stands for peace, security, justice, tolerance, and the rule of law. - The incident has raised concerns about the level of political tension in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
