The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has condemned the continued destruction, removal and vandalisation of its campaign materials across the state, describing the development as unacceptable and a threat to democratic values.
The party, in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, on September 29, 2026, said the latest incident involved the destruction of a PDP billboard in Ajio, Ishangev Ya, Kwande West State Constituency.
According to the PDP, the repeated attacks on its banners, billboards and other party properties were “deeply troubling” and should be condemned.
The party said such actions amounted to an attempt to undermine the rights of political parties and their supporters to freely campaign and canvass for votes ahead of elections.
“Political contests in a democracy should be conducted through the exchange of ideas, programmes, performance and capacity, not through intimidation, provocation, thuggery or the destruction of opponents’ lawful campaign materials,” the statement said.
The PDP described itself as a peaceful and law-abiding political organisation, saying it had consistently demonstrated restraint and tolerance in its political engagements despite alleged provocations.
It, however, cautioned that its restraint should not be interpreted as weakness.
The party called on security agencies in Benue State to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found responsible, regardless of political affiliation or status.
“We therefore call on the security agencies in Benue State to treat the continuous destruction of political materials with the seriousness it deserves, thoroughly investigate the incidents and bring anyone found culpable to justice, irrespective of their political affiliation or status,” the statement added.
The opposition party also appealed to the Benue State Government and political leaders to caution their supporters against actions capable of escalating political tensions and threatening peace in communities.
It stressed that all political parties have the right to campaign, display their materials and seek the support of voters within the provisions of the law.
The PDP said it would continue to pursue its political objectives through peaceful and democratic means, but would take lawful steps to protect its members, supporters and properties.
“We will however, not remain silent in the face of a sustained pattern of intimidation, vandalisation and destruction of our lawful properties. Any necessary action to protect our members, supporters and party materials will be pursued strictly within the ambit of the law,” the party stated.
The party also urged its members and supporters, particularly those in Kwande and other parts of the state, to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, warning against actions that could play into the hands of “agents of provocation.”
Reaffirming its commitment to issue-based campaigns and peaceful political engagement, the PDP said acts of vandalism and intimidation would not deter it from participating in the democratic process.
The party called on political actors to respect the rights of rival parties and allow voters to freely make their choices at the ballot box.
“Every political party has a legitimate right to campaign, display its materials and seek the support of the electorate within the bounds of the law,” the statement said.
