The Benue State Police Command on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, held a peace accord signing ceremony for political parties, candidates and their supporters at the Police Officers’ Mess in Makurdi.
The event was aimed at promoting peaceful, orderly and responsible conduct throughout the electoral process. In his address, the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N Nwadiogbu, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct all electoral activities peacefully and with civility.
He noted that participation in politics is an essential aspect of the exercise of human rights and acknowledged the right of political parties and candidates to engage in legitimate political activities, including campaigns. He however stressed that such activities must be conducted responsibly and within the bounds of the law, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, with due regard for the lives and properties of the people in the state.
The Commissioner particularly cautioned political party leaders and candidates against recruiting, sponsoring or encouraging violence, thuggery and other acts capable of disrupting the electoral process. Instead, he encouraged them to engage young people positively and harness their energy and potential as agents of peace and positive influence in the electoral process.
Following the address, representatives of political parties and candidates formally signed the peace accord, pledging their commitment to peaceful participation and responsible political conduct before, during and after electoral activities.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC Benue State, was represented at the event by the Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, Alhaji Haliru Haruna Sule. The peace accord signing underscores the importance of collaboration among political stakeholders, security agencies and INEC in creating a peaceful environment for credible and inclusive elections in Benue State.
