Politics
Aondoakaa to Supporters: Don’t Retaliate Over Destruction of Campaign Materials
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, has urged his supporters to remain calm and refrain from retaliation following reports of the destruction and burning of campaign materials belonging to his movement.
Aondoakaa made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, saying the development was unfortunate but should not derail the movement’s commitment to peace, justice, tolerance and the rule of law.
He called on his supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state not to destroy campaign materials belonging to other political groups or engage in any form of violence.
The candidate said politics should focus on ideas, solutions and service to the people rather than intimidation, hatred and violence.
“No act of provocation, no matter how offensive, should cause us to abandon the principles upon which our campaign is founded,” he said.
Aondoakaa said the strength of his “BENUE FIRST” movement was not dependent on posters, banners or billboards but on the conviction and aspirations of the people.
“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 said.
He urged his supporters to remain focused on the movement’s objectives and demonstrate respect for political opponents, the law and the democratic process.
According to him, responding to provocation with violence could distract the movement from its message and undermine its stated commitment to peaceful politics.
Aondoakaa said he remained committed to justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence, adding that Benue deserved politics that united rather than divided its people.
He further urged supporters to resist every temptation to retaliate, saying, “Let our conduct speak louder than their actions. Let our commitment to peace be our answer to intolerance.”
The PDP candidate also called on political actors and their supporters to act responsibly, stressing that their conduct during moments of political tension would be remembered.
“Let us choose the path of peace. Let us choose the path of justice. Let us choose the path of a better Benue,” he said.