…Campaign organisation cautions council chairman, traditional rulers against alleged plan to remove PDP billboards, posters
The Aondoakaa/Ogbenjuwa Campaign Organization has cautioned the Ushongo Local Government Chairman and some traditional rulers against an alleged directive to remove campaign materials belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, ahead of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s scheduled visit to Lobi in Mbaawe Ward.
The organisation described the reported directive as an attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine democratic freedoms, insisting that the governor’s visit should not be used as a pretext to suppress the political activities of other parties.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director-General, Hon. Abraham Waroh, the campaign organisation warned that any attempt to remove, destroy or tamper with its billboards, posters and flags would be regarded as an act of political intimidation.
It maintained that Ushongo Local Government Area was not the exclusive political territory of any individual or political party, stressing that no governor, council chairman or traditional ruler had the right to deny opposition parties their lawful political presence.
The organisation said Governor Alia’s scheduled visit to Lobi did not confer any authority on his administration or supporters to remove campaign materials belonging to Chief Aondoakaa or the PDP.
“Ushongo is not a political fiefdom, and no governor, council chairman or traditional ruler has the authority to turn the local government or any other part of the state into a no-go area for opposition parties,” the statement said.
It argued that political competition should be based on governance, policies and the future of Benue State rather than intimidation, threats or the abuse of public office.
The campaign organisation also expressed concern that the alleged directive had emerged from Ushongo, the home local government area of Chief Aondoakaa, whom it described as a proponent of peaceful and issue-based political engagement.
It called on Governor Alia to caution his supporters and ensure that his visit to the area did not trigger political tension or undermine the rights of opposition members.
The statement further urged traditional rulers to remain non-partisan and protect the integrity of their institutions, noting that they were custodians of their communities’ heritage and unity rather than instruments for advancing partisan interests.
“Traditional rulers are custodians of the heritage and unity of their communities, not instruments for intimidating political opponents or enforcing the preferences of any political officeholder,” it stated.
The organisation appealed to PDP members and supporters in Ushongo and other parts of the state to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, urging them to document and report any attempt to remove or destroy their campaign materials to the appropriate authorities.
It, however, warned that its commitment to peace should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness or consent to the violation of its democratic rights.
The campaign organisation maintained that it would resist any attempt to intimidate its supporters or destroy its campaign materials through lawful means.
It reiterated its call for respect for political pluralism and the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, urging relevant authorities to prevent actions capable of heightening political tension in the state.
