The Benue State Police Command signs a Peace Accord with political party leaders and candidates, warning against the use of thugs and cult groups as the state's electoral tensions rise ahead of 2027.
Makurdi, Benue State — September 15, 2026
The Benue State Police Command hosted state chairmen of political parties, flag bearers and candidates, representatives of sister security agencies, and other key stakeholders in Makurdi for a Peace Accord signing ceremony aimed at promoting peaceful political conduct and sustaining security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The engagement brought together political party leaders, candidates, and heads or representatives of security and law enforcement agencies, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigning, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of lives and property throughout the electoral period.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner of Police CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu urged political leaders and candidates to ensure their supporters conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly.
He specifically warned against the recruitment or use of political thugs, cult groups, and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities, a warning that carries added weight given the state's recent political tensions.
Participating political parties and candidates subsequently signed the Peace Accord, formally committing to reject political violence, respect the rights of other political actors, and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
Nwadiogbu assured all parties and candidates that the command would remain professional, impartial, and committed to providing adequate security for lawful political activities.
He urged stakeholders to maintain effective communication with police and other security agencies, particularly regarding planned rallies, campaigns, and other major political events.
The accord comes at a pointed moment for Benue's political climate: just days earlier, the state recorded the blockade of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi's convoy near Yelwata, an incident that drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, including from a faction within Governor Alia's own APC, and led to 46 arrests.
It also follows the BENSESA campaign billboard dispute between the state government and the PDP. Against that backdrop, the Peace Accord represents a deliberate, formal attempt by police to reset expectations among political actors before campaigning intensifies further.
The command called on all political leaders, candidates, supporters, and the general public to uphold the spirit of the Peace Accord and work collectively toward peaceful, credible political activity across Benue State as the 2027 election cycle advances.
More on Benue