The Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, has issued a strong warning to political leaders and candidates against recruiting or using thugs, cult members and other criminal elements to advance their political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
The warning was delivered during a meeting in Makurdi that brought together chairmen of political parties, candidates, representatives of sister security agencies and other stakeholders. At the meeting, the political actors signed a Peace Accord committing themselves to peaceful electoral activities.
According to the police, the accord is intended to promote peaceful political activities, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of lives and property before, during and after the elections. CP Nwadiogbu urged political parties and candidates to take full responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and ensure that campaigns and other political activities are conducted peacefully and within the law. He specifically cautioned against deploying political thugs, cult groups or other criminal elements to intimidate opponents, disrupt rallies or interfere with lawful political activities.
The Commissioner assured all political parties and candidates that the Benue State Police Command would remain professional and impartial while providing security for lawful political activities. He also advised stakeholders to maintain effective communication with the police and other security agencies when planning rallies, campaigns and major political events.
The stakeholders subsequently reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns, respect for the rights of other political actors and cooperation with security agencies throughout the electoral period. The warning comes at a time when the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections is becoming increasingly active across Nigeria, with recent incidents in Benue underscoring the importance of preventing confrontations and ensuring that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence.
Political competition, the Commissioner emphasised, should be about ideas, programmes and the confidence of the electorate — not intimidation, cultism or violence.
