Benue APC, PDP Trade Words Over Alia’s Call For Issue-Based Campaigns, Non Political Violence

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue state chapter and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have traded words over Governor Hyacinth Alia’s call for issue-based campaign and non political violence ahead of 2027 general elections.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, has called on politicians and their supporters to shun violence, bitterness and inflammatory rhetoric in the build-up to the 2027.

He stressed the need for issue-based campaigns that promote democratic participation, peaceful coexistence and development.

The governor made the call at Tse Akpam, Mbade, Binev, Tombo in Buruku Local Government Area during the burial ceremony of late Cephas Rijam Nyinya Akpam.

Alia expressed concern over the tendency of political actors to resort to violence and hostility in the pursuit of political ambitions, urging them to recognise that elections should be contests of ideas, policies and development alternatives rather than occasions for confrontation and division.

He maintained that political campaigns should be conducted with maturity, mutual respect and a sense of responsibility, adding that political differences must not be allowed to threaten the peace and security of communities.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary,
Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement said Alia urged the people to reject violence and be guided by issues that directly affect their welfare and the future of the state when making political decisions.

Alia also called on the people of Tombo, Buruku and Benue State at Large to remain focused on the performance of his administration, rather than be swayed by the political narratives and persuasions of other politicians.

He solicited their continued support for his second-term ambition, expressing the need for another mandate to consolidate the achievements of his administration and sustain the development efforts already underway across the state.

He emphasised that continuity would provide an opportunity to build on the foundation laid during his first tenure and advance the development agenda of his administration for the benefit of the Benue people.

Reacting to Governor Alia’s call against political violence, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has said the governor must match words with action and it must not be lip service.

In a statement issued by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, stated that, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State have read with interest the statement credited to Governor Hyacinth Alia at Tse Akpam, Mbade, Binev, Tombo in Buruku Local Government Area, where he cautioned against political violence and advocated issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
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‎The statement noted, “While we agree entirely that elections should be contests of ideas, policies and development alternatives and not occasions for confrontation and division, we must state clearly: Good words are not enough. The Governor must live up to his own statement.
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‎”Leadership is not by preaching peace to the opposition while looking away when violence is perpetrated by those loyal to government. Leadership is by example, by action and by justice for all.”
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‎PDP added, “If the governor is truly against political violence, then we task him to prove it by cautioning his own supporters first.
‎Charity must begin at home. The Governor should publicly and firmly warn his aides, appointees and supporters that anyone who engages in intimidation, thuggery, destruction of opponents’ billboards, or attacks on campaign gatherings will be sanctioned, no matter how close they are to power,” the statement said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State Chapter, has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the responsibility for peace in the state does not rest on Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia alone, but on all political parties, candidates, supporters and stakeholders.

The party was reacting to a statement by the PDP, through its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, in response to Governor Alia’s appeal for peaceful political engagement and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APC described the PDP’s reaction as an unfortunate attempt to politicise a responsible call for peace by turning it into an avenue for unsubstantiated allegations against the governor and his administration.

Governor Alia’s message, the party said, was clear and unequivocal: political competition should be driven by ideas, policies and performance, not intimidation, violence or hostility.

The APC stressed that peace is a collective responsibility, not an obligation reserved exclusively for the governor or the ruling party, and that every political party, candidate, supporter and stakeholder has a duty to promote tolerance and respect opposing views.

In a statement issued by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Benedict Yawe, the party challenged the PDP to provide specific and verifiable evidence to support its allegations of intimidation, thuggery, destruction of campaign billboards and attacks on political gatherings, and to submit such evidence to the appropriate authorities.

It maintained that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or proximity to government, should be shielded from accountability for any established offence, just as no person or institution should be condemned on the basis of unsubstantiated political claims.

On the neutrality of security agencies, the APC reiterated that all citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law, and that security agencies must discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally and without partisan considerations.

The party also affirmed that freedom of expression, assembly and political participation are essential to democracy, and that all political parties must be allowed to exercise those rights within the framework of the law.

It insisted that the PDP’s professed commitment to issue-based campaigns must go beyond press statements, noting that constructive opposition requires credible policy alternatives, informed criticism and a willingness to engage the electorate on matters of public interest.

Governor Alia, the APC said, has consistently maintained that his administration should be assessed on the basis of its performance, and the PDP is at liberty to scrutinise government policies and present alternative solutions without resorting to unsubstantiated allegations.

The APC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement, urging all political parties to discourage inflammatory rhetoric, respect democratic institutions and ensure that the 2027 elections are a contest of ideas and records, not allegations and recriminations.