The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, is facing intense backlash following a viral video where he threatened “AK-47 fire” against anyone who attempts to block the party’s goal of securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Tenebe made the remarks during an APC gathering and campaign rally in Benin City. In his address, he stated: “Anybody who refuses, who also wants to stand in our way from getting 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu… AK-47 fire!” He additionally warned opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar that they must seek clearance from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo before entering the state, or risk being turned away.
Reactions and Demands for Investigation
The comments have sparked significant concern regarding political violence and voter intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections:
Amnesty International Nigeria: The human rights organization issued a statement calling on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate Tenebe. Amnesty International criticized security agencies for failing to adequately respond to public threats of violence by politicians.
African Democratic Congress (ADC): The ADC Presidential Campaign Council strongly condemned the statement, labeling it “inciting and terroristic”. Leaders of the party, including former Edo State Governor Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, declared that they would not succumb to political blackmail, emphasizing that the Permanent Voter Card (PVC)—not rifles—would determine the winners of the 2027 elections. The ADC has officially urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and police authorities to question Tenebe.