Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite and investigate the Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, over reported remarks threatening “AK-47 fire” against those who oppose the party’s target of securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, Prime Business Africa reports.
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HURIWA said the remarks, reportedly made while Tenebe addressed supporters during APC mobilisation activities in Edo State, should not be dismissed as ordinary campaign rhetoric, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
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According to HURIWA, Tenebe was quoted as saying that anyone who attempted to frustrate the APC’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for Tinubu would face “AK-47 fire”. The group also said he referred to “Holy Ghost fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun” during the address.
The rights group urged the DSS to establish the context and intent of the remarks and determine whether they constituted a criminal threat or violated any Nigerian law. It also called on the Nigeria Police Force to examine whether inflammatory political rhetoric was contributing to threats against opposition politicians and their supporters in Edo State.
HURIWA cited a reported attack in Benin City in February involving Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying armed men disrupted a political gathering and forced the politicians to seek safety. The group, however, stressed that any link between political statements and subsequent acts of violence should be established through credible investigation and evidence.
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HURIWA also urged APC leaders to publicly condemn threats involving firearms and called on political parties and their officials to pursue electoral support through policies, persuasion and lawful mobilisation. It said Nigerians should be able to support candidates and political parties of their choice without intimidation, harassment or violence.
The association urged security agencies to act before political threats translated into violence, warning that the 2027 elections must not become a period in which references to firearms are normalised as campaign language.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
