RismadarVoice Reporters
October 5, 2026
Amnesty International Nigeria has called on security agencies to investigate remarks attributed to the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC, Jarrett Tenebe, in which he referenced “AK-47 fire” while discussing the party’s target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The human rights organisation raised concerns over the remarks and urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services DSS) to act against political figures who threaten or incite violence.
Tenebe made the controversial remarks while addressing APC supporters in Edo State as the party intensifies mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a video of the gathering, Tenebe spoke about the APC’s ambition to secure 2.5 million votes for Tinubu before making references to firearms in warning against those he said might stand in the party’s way.
Amnesty International Nigeria subsequently criticised what it described as inadequate action by security agencies against public threats of political violence.
The organisation said politicians and other leaders responsible for carrying out, inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or human rights abuses should be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation.
It maintained that effective action against inflammatory political rhetoric was necessary to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law and safeguard the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The remarks have also drawn criticism from opposition groups.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has called on the police, DSS and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to investigate Tenebe’s comments and establish their context and implications.
The controversy comes as political parties increase mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, placing renewed attention on the conduct and rhetoric of political actors as campaigning intensifies.
