Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, has urged his supporters to remain calm after campaign materials belonging to his movement were allegedly burnt.
Aondoakaa, in a statement, condemned the development but called on supporters across the state’s 23 local government areas to reject any form of retaliation.
He urged party members and supporters not to destroy opponents’ campaign materials or engage in actions capable of escalating political tensions.
According to him, the BENUE FIRST movement was founded on the principles of peace, security, justice, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
The PDP candidate said the destruction of campaign materials should not distract the movement from its focus on presenting what he described as an alternative vision for the 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,” Aondoakaa said.
He also cautioned supporters against allowing provocation to undermine the image and objectives of the movement.
Aondoakaa argued that those seeking to trigger anger and disorder could be attempting to divert attention from the campaign’s message and create political confusion.
He therefore encouraged his supporters to maintain discipline and demonstrate respect for political opponents and the democratic process.
The governorship candidate said the strength of BENUE FIRST was not dependent on posters, banners or billboards but on the support of people who share its vision for a safer and more prosperous state.
He further called for a political culture centred on ideas, solutions and service rather than intimidation, hatred and violence.
“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.
Aondoakaa maintained that he remained committed to justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence, adding that Benue deserved politics that would promote unity and hope.
He urged supporters to choose peaceful and lawful means of responding to political disagreements, saying their actions during moments of provocation would ultimately shape how the movement was judged.