Benue: Alia warns politicians against violence ahead of 2027 elections

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has cautioned politicians and their supporters against violence, hate speech, and divisive political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to focus on issues that promote development and peaceful coexistence.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, November 8, 2026, following Alia’s remarks at the burial ceremony of late Cephas Rijam Nyinya Akpam in Tse Akpam, Mbade, Binev, Tombo, Buruku Local Government Area, on Saturday.

The governor expressed concern over the use of violence and inflammatory rhetoric by political actors in pursuit of their ambitions, insisting that elections should be about competing ideas and policies rather than confrontation.

He said political campaigns should be conducted with maturity, mutual respect and a sense of responsibility, warning that political disagreements must not be allowed to endanger the peace and security of communities.

Alia urged politicians and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, stressing that political differences should not divide the people or disrupt peaceful coexistence.

He also called on residents to make political decisions based on issues affecting their welfare and the future of the state rather than being swayed by divisive political narratives.

Addressing the people of Tombo, Buruku and other parts of Benue State, the governor urged them to assess his administration based on its performance and support his bid for a second term.

He said another mandate would enable his government to consolidate its achievements and sustain ongoing development initiatives across the state.

According to him, continuity would provide an opportunity to build on the foundation established during his first tenure and further advance his administration’s development agenda.