The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has sparked fresh concerns over inflammatory political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 presidential election with his "AK-47 fire" remark. Tenebe made the comment while addressing APC supporters in Benin City, warning those who might attempt to obstruct the party's mobilisation efforts. He stated that anyone who refuses to support the party's plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would face "AK-47 fire." The remark has attracted criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.
The Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned Tenebe's statement and announced plans to forward the video to the appropriate authorities for action. The party expressed concern that such rhetoric could contribute to electoral violence. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has also called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Tenebe for questioning over the statement. HURIWA stressed that political mobilisation should not involve language suggesting the use of firearms against citizens or political opponents.
This controversy comes against the backdrop of increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and a series of inflammatory remarks by political actors in different parts of the country. Recently, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, was reported to have warned critics of the state government that those who "raise" their fingers against the administration would have theirs cut off. Similarly, APC Chairman Muhammad Gadaka in Yobe State attracted criticism after telling women at a political rally that he would pay the bride price of women whose husbands divorced them for voting for the ruling party.
Tenebe himself has previously been at the centre of controversy over his comments concerning the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi. In July 2025, Tenebe publicly declared that he hated Obi while defending comments by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo that Obi should notify him before visiting the state. During a subsequent television interview, Tenebe maintained his position, saying: "The opposite of hate is love. If I don't love you, I hate you." He further described himself as an "extremist" in his political disposition.
The latest controversy has placed renewed attention on the conduct of political actors as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections. The National Peace Accord for the 2027 elections was signed in Abuja in August by presidential candidates and representatives of major political parties. The accord seeks to promote peaceful and issue-based campaigns while discouraging violence, intimidation, and inflammatory rhetoric. President Tinubu, who was represented at the signing by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also pledged the APC's commitment to the accord.
The renewed controversy has raised questions about how the commitments contained in the Peace Accord will be enforced as political activities intensify. Opposition figures and other critics have repeatedly alleged that inflammatory comments by politically influential persons do not always attract prompt law-enforcement action, particularly when those involved belong to the ruling party. The latest calls for investigation of Tenebe are likely to put the police and other security agencies under pressure to establish whether his reference to "AK-47 fire" amounted to a threat, incitement, or other violation of the law.
As of Sunday, there was no publicly reported statement from the Edo State Police Command announcing Tenebe's arrest or invitation for questioning over the remark. The controversy has renewed calls for political parties and their supporters to moderate their language as the country moves towards another election cycle, with stakeholders warning that inflammatory rhetoric can heighten tensions and undermine confidence in the electoral process. For the 2027 Peace Accord to command public confidence, political actors and their supporters will ultimately be expected to abide by its commitments.
Key points
- The Edo APC chairman's comment has sparked criticism and calls for investigation ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The controversy has raised questions about how the commitments contained in the Peace Accord will be enforced as political activities intensify.
- The incident has renewed calls for political parties and their supporters to moderate their language to avoid heightening tensions and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
