The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate invitation and investigation of the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his reported threat to unleash “AK-47 fire” on those who oppose the party’s 2.5 million-vote target for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
HURIWA says the statement is extremely dangerous and must not be dismissed as ordinary campaign rhetoric, particularly at a time when political activities are intensifying across the country.
HURIWA observes that Tenebe made the statement while addressing supporters during the APC’s mobilisation activities across Edo State.
The APC chairman was quoted as saying that anyone who attempted to frustrate the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu would face “AK-47 fire.”
HURIWA notes that Tenebe also referred to “Holy Ghost fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun” during the same address.
HURIWA says political competition cannot become a justification for threatening citizens, opposition supporters or political opponents with firearms.
The association therefore demands that the DSS immediately invite Tenebe to explain the context, intention and meaning of the statements.
HURIWA further demands that the security agency determine whether the remarks constitute a criminal threat or violate any provision of Nigeria’s laws.
HURIWA observes that the country cannot afford to normalise violent political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association recalls the February 2026 attack on Peter Obi and other African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders in Benin City during a political gathering.
HURIWA notes that armed men reportedly attacked the gathering, forcing Obi and other political figures to seek safety, while security agencies subsequently commenced investigations into the incident.
HURIWA says the earlier attack makes the latest public reference to AK-47s during political mobilisation particularly troubling.
The association, however, stresses that any connection between political statements and subsequent acts of violence must be established through credible investigation and evidence.
HURIWA therefore challenges the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate whether inflammatory political rhetoric is contributing to threats against opposition politicians and their supporters in Edo State.
HURIWA warns that security agencies must act before political threats translate into bloodshed rather than waiting for another attack before taking action.
The association also calls on the APC leadership to publicly condemn threats involving firearms and make it clear that electoral competition must remain within the bounds of democratic practice.
HURIWA says Nigerians have the constitutional right to support any political party or candidate of their choice without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.
The association demands that all political parties and their officials pursue votes through persuasion, policies and lawful mobilisation rather than threats.
HURIWA therefore urges the DSS to invite Tenebe without delay, investigate his statement and make its findings public.
The association says the 2027 election must not become a season of political intimidation where references to firearms are treated as ordinary campaign language.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator, HURIWA
03/10/2026
