Amnesty International Nigeria has urged Nigerian security agencies to investigate and hold accountable politicians accused of making threats of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. This call was made in a statement posted on its verified Facebook account on Saturday, following reported comments by Jarret Tenebe, the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
According to Amnesty International, Tenebe was quoted as threatening to invoke the “power of AK-47” against individuals allegedly working to frustrate the APC’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The organisation stated that Tenebe made the threat during a campaign rally in Edo State, where political violence is already rampant.
Amnesty International questioned the response of Nigeria’s security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to what it described as public threats of violence by politicians. The organisation expressed concern that such statements were being made “in utter disregard for the rule of law and the nation’s Electoral Act.”
The rights organisation urged the authorities to ensure that politicians and other leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, are held accountable for acts or statements that incite, threaten or promote politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence. This accountability should extend to anyone responsible for carrying out or encouraging violence or human rights abuses before, during and after the 2027 elections.
Amnesty International emphasised the need for the authorities to take immediate action to prevent and respond to politically motivated violence. The organisation highlighted that threats of violence by politicians can undermine the democratic process and lead to human rights abuses.
The call by Amnesty International comes as concerns about political violence and human rights abuses in Nigeria continue to grow. The organisation's statement is a reminder of the need for politicians to refrain from making inflammatory statements that can incite violence.
The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for violence in the 2027 general elections. Key to addressing this concern is the authorities' response to the alleged threat and their commitment to ensuring that politicians are held accountable for their actions.
Key points
- Amnesty International Nigeria calls for investigation into comments made by Edo APC chairman.
- The organisation expressed concern about the response of Nigeria’s security agencies to public threats of violence by politicians.
- Amnesty International urged the authorities to ensure that politicians are held accountable for acts or statements that incite, threaten or promote politically motivated violence.
