Amnesty International Nigeria has called on Nigeria’s security authorities to investigate remarks attributed to the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jarret Tenebe, after he reportedly referenced AK-47 fire while discussing the party’s 2027 presidential vote target.
Tenebe’s comments, made while addressing APC supporters in Edo, were linked to the party’s stated ambition of securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. Reports of the remarks emerged in a video circulating online.
The APC chairman reportedly warned that those who attempted to frustrate the party’s efforts to achieve the target would face what he described as “AK-47 fire.” He made the statement while speaking about the party’s mobilisation efforts and its performance in the recent local government elections.
Amnesty International Nigeria subsequently raised concerns over the implications of such rhetoric in the run-up to another general election. The organisation said political actors should not be allowed to make threats that could contribute to violence without appropriate scrutiny from law-enforcement authorities.
The rights group specifically questioned the response of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, arguing that security agencies have a responsibility to respond to public statements that could amount to threats or incitement to politically motivated violence.
Amnesty said the reported comments were inconsistent with the rule of law and called on the authorities to ensure that anyone who carries out, encourages or threatens politically motivated violence is held accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
The controversy comes as political parties begin intensifying mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Tenebe’s remarks have already attracted criticism from several quarters, with reports describing the firearm reference as a source of renewed concern over political rhetoric.
The reported incident also adds to a series of recent controversies surrounding statements by political actors ahead of the 2027 polls, placing renewed attention on the conduct of politicians and the role of security agencies in preventing election-related violence.
Amnesty maintained that accountability should apply to political and other leaders who are found responsible for promoting or threatening violence, saying authorities must act to protect human rights and the integrity of the electoral process.
