Aondoakaa urges Benue PDP supporters to shun violence over burning of campaign materials

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, has urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding following the alleged burning of campaign materials belonging to his movement.

Aondoakaa, who condemned the incident, called on supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state to resist any temptation to retaliate or engage in acts of violence.

In a statement titled, “Let Peace Be Our Response to Provocation,” the governorship candidate said he had received reports and seen images of the burning of campaign materials belonging to his movement.

He expressed concern over the development but maintained that no act of provocation should cause his supporters to abandon the principles of peace, justice, tolerance and the rule of law.

He said the movement, known as BENUE FIRST, was founded on the belief that politics should focus on ideas, solutions and service rather than hatred, intimidation or violence.

“I therefore call on all my supporters across the 23 local government areas of our dear state to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. Do not retaliate. Do not destroy anyone’s campaign materials. Do not engage in violence,” he said.

Aondoakaa warned supporters against allowing themselves to be provoked into actions capable of tarnishing the image of the movement and the PDP.

He said, “The price of peace is far cheaper than the cost of violence. Peace builds; violence destroys. Peace unites; violence divides. Peace creates hope; violence leaves pain. No matter the provocation, choose peace.”

The PDP candidate further alleged that those seeking to provoke his supporters into anger and disorder were attempting to distract them from their campaign message and create confusion.

He urged his supporters not to give such individuals the opportunity to undermine the movement’s objectives.

According to him, the strength of BENUE FIRST lies not in posters, banners, billboards or other campaign materials, but in the conviction of the people and their shared vision for a safer and more prosperous Benue State.

“Campaign materials can be destroyed, but the aspirations of the people cannot be burned. The desire for peace cannot be set ablaze. The demand for good governance cannot be intimidated into silence,” he added.

Aondoakaa also called on his supporters to respect political opponents and the democratic process, urging them to demonstrate that the movement was committed to peaceful political engagement.

He reaffirmed his commitment to justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence, insisting that Benue deserved politics that united rather than divided its people.

He urged supporters to remain disciplined and focused, stressing that their conduct should reflect the values of the movement.

“Let our conduct speak louder than their actions. Let our commitment to peace be our answer to intolerance. Let our faith in democracy be stronger than any attempt to undermine it,” he said.

The governorship candidate called on the people of Benue to choose peace and justice, expressing hope for a better future for the state.