The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has come under criticism over a threat to unleash AK-47 fire on anyone who attempts to frustrate the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Tenebe made the remarks while addressing party supporters in Benin City, following the recent local government election in the state. He said Governor Monday Okpebholo had promised to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu and vowed that the party would work to achieve the target.
The statement has raised concerns about political intimidation and the risk of violence ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential and National Assembly elections.
The controversy has also drawn attention to other inflammatory political remarks across the country. In September, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, warned critics of the state government against opposing the administration. The chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, also faced criticism after reportedly telling residents to support the APC or leave the council.
Meanwhile, the controversy over Tenebe’s remarks has coincided with a firearm-related incident in Kano State. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a House of Assembly candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was invited by the police after a viral video allegedly showed him displaying a firearm at a political gathering.
The Kano State Police Command said the alleged act, if established, could violate the Firearms Act and threaten public peace and security. The incident has fuelled concerns about the consequences of inflammatory political rhetoric.
Following the development, Kennedy Iyere, an Accord Party senatorial candidate for Edo Central, petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), urging the agency to investigate Tenebe and compel him to retract the remarks.
Iyere warned that leaving the matter unaddressed could heighten political tensions and threaten stability ahead of the elections.
Opposition politician Ganiyu James also called for Tenebe to be investigated, arguing that political leaders should be held accountable for inflammatory statements regardless of party affiliation.
Political observers have warned that threats and provocative rhetoric could encourage retaliatory actions, undermine public confidence and increase the risk of election-related violence. They have urged security agencies to respond consistently to such statements and ensure that political actors abide by the law.
The growing controversy has renewed calls for political parties and their supporters to pursue electoral victories through peaceful campaigning and respect for voters’ rights.
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