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Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe
By BONIFACE AKARAH
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate invitation and investigation of Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, over his reported reference to “AK-47 fire” while mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
In a statement dated October 3, 2026 and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said Tenebe’s reported remarks should not be dismissed as ordinary campaign rhetoric, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the association, Tenebe made the statement while addressing APC supporters during mobilisation activities across Edo State, reportedly warning that anyone who attempted to frustrate the party’s target of securing 2.5 million votes for Tinubu would face “AK-47 fire.”
HURIWA also said the APC chairman referred to “Holy Ghost fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun” during the same address.
“Political competition cannot become a justification for threatening citizens, opposition supporters or political opponents with firearms,” the association said.
HURIWA consequently called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Tenebe to explain the context, intention and meaning of the remarks and determine whether they constitute a criminal threat or violate any provision of Nigerian law.
The association said the country could not afford to normalise violent political rhetoric as the 2027 elections approach.
HURIWA also recalled what it described as the February 2026 attack on Peter Obi and other African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders during a political gathering in Benin City.
According to the association, armed men reportedly attacked the gathering, forcing Obi and other political figures to seek safety, while security agencies subsequently commenced investigations into the incident.
HURIWA said the earlier incident made the latest public reference to AK-47s during political mobilisation particularly concerning, while stressing that any connection between political statements and subsequent acts of violence must be established through credible investigation and evidence.
“The association therefore demands that the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force investigate whether inflammatory political rhetoric is contributing to threats against opposition politicians and their supporters in Edo State,” HURIWA stated.
The group further urged security agencies to act before political threats translate into violence, rather than waiting for another attack before taking action.
HURIWA also called on the APC leadership to publicly condemn threats involving firearms and make clear that electoral competition must remain within democratic bounds.
“Nigerians have the constitutional right to support any political party or candidate of their choice without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence,” the association said.
It urged political parties and their officials to pursue votes through persuasion, policies and lawful mobilisation rather than threats.
HURIWA therefore asked the DSS to invite Tenebe without delay, investigate the reported statement and make its findings public, warning that references to firearms should not become treated as ordinary campaign language ahead of the 2027 election.
