Amnesty International has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to investigate remarks attributed to the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, in which he referenced “AK-47 fire” against those who might obstruct the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Tenebe made the remarks in Benin City while addressing APC supporters during ongoing political mobilisation in the state. In a video of the address reported by several Nigerian media organisations, he referred to firearms while warning those he said might stand in the way of the party’s vote target.
The comments have drawn concern because of their reference to violence in the context of electoral mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amnesty International said the remarks warranted immediate attention from law-enforcement authorities, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), urging them to investigate and ensure accountability where the law has been breached.
The rights organisation said security agencies must respond to threats and inciting statements by political actors, stressing the importance of enforcing the rule of law and protecting citizens and the integrity of the electoral process.
Tenebe’s comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. The Edo APC leadership has previously spoken of its ambition to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Tinubu, while reports indicate that the party has intensified mobilisation across the state.
Amnesty urged state authorities to maintain zero tolerance for politically, religiously or ethnically motivated threats and violence, and to ensure that political actors are subject to the same legal standards regardless of party affiliation.
The organisation’s intervention places renewed focus on the responsibility of security agencies to prevent politically motivated violence and safeguard citizens’ rights as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
