2027: Alia, Aondoakaa, Shija, Others Shun Peace Accord Signing In Benue

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the governorship candidates of the major political parties in Benue State shunned the signing of a peace accord initiated by security agencies for violence-free campaigns and polls.

The meeting was hosted by the Benue State Police Command.

Political observers opined that there were signs of violence in the state following the recent attack on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s convoy in Makurdi.

However, LEADERSHIP checks revealed that the Benue State governor and governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, and that of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Iorwase Herman Hembe, did not attend the parley and were unable to sign the peace accord, although they were represented.

Reacting, Benue State PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, explained why the party’s candidate was absent: “The absence of our candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, was not because he disregarded the peace accord meeting organised by the security agents. It was due to other pressing engagements outside the state and partly to the short notice of the invitation. However, the party, PDP, was heavily represented and participated actively in the process,” the PDP said.

On his part, Benue State APC Publicity Secretary, Benedict Yawe, said he would not comment. “I may not be able to speak on the issue you are talking about for now because I have not been briefed. I don’t know much about the event.”

Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, in a telephone interview, stated: “We invited all the candidates and leaders of political parties in the state. Based on your question, the governorship candidates you are asking about didn’t attend physically, but we believe their representatives who signed for them will convey the message or take the peace accord they have signed to them.”

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it hosted state chairmen of political parties, candidates, representatives of sister security agencies and other key stakeholders at a peace accord signing ceremony aimed at promoting peaceful political activities and sustaining security across the state.

According to the police, the engagement, which held in Makurdi, brought together political party leaders, candidates and heads/representatives of security and law enforcement agencies, as well as other relevant stakeholders.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, on Wednesday, the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and the protection of lives and property throughout the electoral period.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, urged political leaders and candidates to ensure that their supporters conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly.

He particularly warned against the recruitment or use of political thugs, cult groups and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.

“The peace accord was subsequently signed by participating political parties and candidates, signifying their collective commitment to reject political violence, respect the rights of other political actors and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.”

The Commissioner assured all political parties and candidates that the Police Command would remain professional, impartial and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities.

He further urged stakeholders to maintain effective communication with the police and other security agencies, especially in respect of planned rallies, campaigns and other major political activities.

The Command, however, called on political leaders, candidates, supporters and the general public to uphold the spirit of the peace accord and work collectively towards peaceful and credible political activities in Benue State.