The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, for questioning over a statement he made regarding the party's plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
In a video addressing APC supporters during the party's mobilisation activities in Edo State, Tenebe 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, 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."
HURIWA made the demand in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, expressing concern that 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.
The association said political mobilisation should not involve language that suggests the use of firearms against citizens or political opponents. HURIWA consequently urged the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to examine the video and establish the full circumstances surrounding the statement, adding that Tenebe should be given an opportunity to explain whether the reference was figurative, political rhetoric or intended as an actual threat.
HURIWA also called on security agencies to consider the possible effect of such remarks on the conduct of the 2027 elections, expressing concern that inflammatory statements could heighten tension among supporters of different political parties, especially as campaigns and mobilisation activities increase. The association 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.
The group urged the DSS to investigate the matter independently rather than relying on assumptions about the intention behind Tenebe's remarks, and 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.
HURIWA also called on the national leadership of the APC to address the controversy, making its position clear on statements that reference firearms during political mobilisation. The association stressed that no party should assume ownership of the votes of Nigerians, and that voters must be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidates at the polls.
Key points
- The DSS has been urged to investigate Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe over remarks referencing 'AK-47 fire' in relation to securing votes for President Bola Tinubu.
- HURIWA expressed concern over the possible effect of such remarks on the conduct of the 2027 elections.
- The association called on the APC to make its position clear on statements that reference firearms during political mobilisation.
