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 prioritise issue-based campaigns 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.
Alia expressed concern over the use of violence and inflammatory rhetoric by political actors in pursuit of their ambitions, stressing that electoral campaigns should focus on competing ideas and policies rather than confrontation.
He said political activities should be conducted with maturity, mutual respect and a sense of responsibility, warning that disagreements among political actors must not threaten the peace and security of communities.
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The governor urged politicians and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, noting that political differences should not divide residents or undermine peaceful coexistence.
He also called on the people of Benue State to make political decisions based on issues affecting their welfare and the future of the state rather than being influenced by divisive political narratives.
Addressing residents of Tombo, Buruku and other parts of the state, Alia urged them to assess his administration based on its performance while seeking their support for a second term in office.
He said another mandate would enable his administration 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 advance his government’s development agenda.