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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Ahead of the 2027 general election, political parties and candidates in Benue State have signed a peace accord, committing themselves to violence-free campaigns and respect for the rights of their opponents.
The accord, facilitated by the Benue State Police Command, brought together party chairmen and representatives, candidates, sister security agencies and other stakeholders in Makurdi as part of efforts to prevent violence before, during and after the elections.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, warned politicians against recruiting thugs, cult groups and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.
He urged party leaders and candidates to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and resolve political disagreements through lawful means rather than violence.
Nwadiogbu said the accord represented a commitment by the participating parties and candidates to reject political violence, respect other contestants and cooperate with security agencies throughout the electoral process.
The participating parties and candidates subsequently signed the document, reaffirming their commitment to peaceful campaigns and political activities.
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The police commissioner assured political actors that the command would remain professional and impartial in providing security for lawful political activities.
He urged parties and candidates to maintain effective communication with the police and other security agencies, particularly when planning rallies, campaigns and other major events.
According to him, providing adequate information about planned political activities would enable security agencies to make appropriate arrangements and prevent avoidable incidents.
The command also urged party supporters and members of the public to uphold the spirit of the accord and refrain from acts capable of threatening public peace.
Nwadiogbu called on political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to work collectively towards peaceful, orderly and credible political activities in the state.
The Nigeria Police Force has separately reiterated that political parties, candidates and supporters should conduct themselves peacefully and avoid acts capable of causing violence or disrupting electoral processes.
