Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe has come under pressure following remarks in which he allegedly referred to “AK-47 fire” while speaking about the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has now called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Tenebe for questioning over the statement.
The group wants the security agency to establish the meaning and intention behind the remarks and determine whether they amounted to a threat or violated any Nigerian law.
HURIWA made the demand in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko.
The association said political mobilisation should not involve language that suggests the use of firearms against citizens or political opponents.
The controversy followed a video of Tenebe addressing APC supporters during the party’s mobilisation activities in Edo State.
In the video, the APC chairman reportedly spoke about the party’s determination to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 election.
He also referred to “Holy Ghost fire” and “General Purpose Machine Gun” while speaking about people who might oppose or frustrate the party’s mobilisation efforts.
Tenebe was quoted as saying, “So anybody who refuses, who wants to stand in our way of not getting the 2.5 million votes we want to give to Mr President, AK-47 fire.”
Tenebe had reportedly maintained that the APC would work to achieve the target despite criticism from opposition figures and other political actors.
He also linked the delivery of votes to the possibility of attracting further political and administrative benefits to Edo.
According to him, the APC would continue its mobilisation because President Tinubu remained central to the party’s plans for the state.
However, HURIWA said the language used by a senior political office holder should be treated with seriousness.
The rights group argued that electoral competition must be based on persuasion, policies and programmes rather than references to firearms.
It said, “Political competition cannot become a justification for threatening citizens, opposition supporters or political opponents with firearms.”
HURIWA consequently urged the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to examine the video and establish the full circumstances surrounding the statement.
The association said Tenebe should be given an opportunity to explain whether the reference was figurative, political rhetoric or intended as an actual threat.
It also called on security agencies to consider the possible effect of such remarks on the conduct of the 2027 elections.
HURIWA expressed concern that inflammatory statements could heighten tension among supporters of different political parties, especially as campaigns and mobilisation activities increase.
The association further drew attention to the reported February 2026 attack involving leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi, during a political gathering in Benin City.
The incident had generated concerns over political safety in Edo State.
HURIWA said the reported attack makes references to firearms during political activities even more troubling.
The group, however, was careful not to establish a direct link between the reported attack and Tenebe’s comments.
It said, “Any connection between political statements and subsequent acts of violence must be established through credible investigation and evidence.”
The association therefore urged the DSS to investigate the matter independently rather than relying on assumptions about the intention behind Tenebe’s remarks.
It also asked the Nigeria Police Force to examine whether there were any security implications arising from the statement.
According to HURIWA, the objective should be to prevent political rhetoric from developing into actual threats or violence as the 2027 election approaches.
The group also called on the national leadership of the APC to address the controversy.
It wants the ruling party to make its position clear on statements that reference firearms during political mobilisation.
HURIWA said political parties have a responsibility to protect the democratic process and ensure that supporters of rival parties can participate in political activities without intimidation.
The association stressed that no party should assume ownership of the votes of Nigerians.
It maintained that voters must be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidates at the polls.
The group also urged politicians across party lines to exercise restraint in their public statements.
It said the security agencies should not wait until political rhetoric results in violence before taking preventive action.
