The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the alleged burning of campaign T-shirts bearing the image of its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, as a symbolic attack on democracy. The party stated this while reacting to a viral video allegedly showing the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, directing his supporters to pour petrol on and set fire to T-shirts bearing Aondoakaa's image.
In a statement made available to INDEPENDENT in Makurdi on Saturday, the party's State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, said the incident displayed "dangerous hallmarks of political extremism targeting members of the opposition in the state." Antyo described the development as part of what he called an emerging pattern of "intolerance, intimidation and hostility towards dissenting voices."
The PDP spokesman called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident. He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take note of the development and closely monitor the conduct of political actors in the state as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
Antyo pointed out that it was particularly alarming that the alleged action involved the Speaker of the State Assembly, who, he noted, was expected to uphold the law and defend democratic values. He alleged that the incident was not isolated, citing previous statements attributed to Emberga in which he allegedly encouraged supporters to confront critics of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The PDP spokesman also accused Governor Alia of making threats against his critics, allegations the governor's camp has previously disputed. Antyo said the burning of campaign T-shirts would not address the challenges confronting Benue residents. "The burning of campaign T-shirts will not burn away the hardship confronting the people. It will not reopen abandoned farmlands. It will not create jobs. It will not improve security. It will not silence legitimate questions about governance," he emphasised.
Antyo further accused supporters and appointees of the Alia administration of disrupting public gatherings, including church events. He also accused Emberga of failing to adequately exercise the legislature's oversight responsibilities, alleging that under Emberga's leadership, the Assembly had failed to take meaningful legislative action to address insecurity, halt bloodshed or facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities.
The PDP spokesman concluded by stressing the need for tolerance and respect for divergent political views. "Democracy is not sustained by threats. It is not defended by intimidation. It is not strengthened by the destruction of political symbols. Democracy flourishes through debate, persuasion, tolerance and respect for differing opinions," he stated.
Key points
- The PDP condemns the burning of Aondoakaa's campaign T-shirts as a symbolic attack on democracy.
- The party calls for an investigation into the incident and urges INEC to monitor the conduct of political actors in the state.
- The PDP accuses the Speaker of the State Assembly and Governor Alia's administration of promoting intolerance and intimidation.
