Benue PDP candidate calls for calm after campaign materials burned
Michael Aondoakaa, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for governor of Benue State in 2027, has urged supporters not to retaliate after campaign shirts bearing his image were reportedly burned. He described the incident as provocative but said the campaign should remain focused on peace, ideas and governance.
Michael Aondoakaa, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for governor of Benue State in 2027, has appealed for calm after campaign materials bearing his image were reportedly burned in parts of the state. Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, made the appeal in a statement personally signed and released to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday. His comments followed the circulation of a video showing people pouring petrol on and setting fire to PDP campaign T-shirts.
The video prompted condemnation from people who described the incident as an example of bitter politics. The source material does not identify those shown in the footage or establish who was responsible for the destruction. Aondoakaa said he had received reports and seen images of the burning.
He described the development as unfortunate but told supporters across Benue’s 23 local government areas to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He specifically instructed them not to retaliate, destroy opponents’ campaign materials or engage in violence. He said provocation should not cause the movement to abandon its stated principles of peace, security, justice, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
The candidate said politics should focus on ideas, solutions and service rather than hatred, intimidation or violence. He argued that those seeking to provoke his supporters wanted to distract them from the campaign’s message and create confusion. Aondoakaa said his campaign, known as BENUE FIRST, should demonstrate a distinction between a movement that seeks to inspire and one that seeks to intimidate.
He added that its strength did not depend on posters, banners, billboards or other campaign items. Instead, he said, the movement rested on supporters’ convictions and their shared vision for a safer and more prosperous Benue. “Campaign materials can be destroyed, but the aspirations of the people cannot be burned,” he said, urging supporters to choose peace regardless of provocation.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.