Edo APC chairman invokes AK-47 in remarks on Tinubu’s 2.5m vote target

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has sparked controversy after invoking an AK-47 while speaking about the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Tenebe made the remarks in Benin City on Friday while addressing APC supporters at a gathering following the recent local government council election in the state.

According to the APC chairman, Governor Monday Okpebholo had promised Tinubu that Edo would deliver 2.5 million votes for the President in the 2027 election.

Tenebe said the state party leadership would work towards achieving the target, citing what he described as the APC’s performance in the recent local government election.

He claimed that the APC secured 2,158,600 votes in the poll, describing the figure as unprecedented in the history of elections in the state.

Speaking about people he said could attempt to frustrate the party’s plans, Tenebe used a reference to firearms.

“Those who do not wish us well, who want to create an obstacle for us, I have a prayer for you,” he said.

“So, anybody who refuses, who wants to stand in our way, for us not to have those votes that we intend to give to Mr President, AK-47 fire.”

The remark comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several political actors recently making controversial comments at party gatherings and campaign-related events.

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In September, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, warned critics of the Babagana Zulum administration that those who “raise” their fingers against the government would have theirs cut off. He made the statement at a campaign inauguration organised by the City Boy Movement, a group supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid.

In Yobe State, APC Chairman Muhammad Gadaka also drew criticism after telling women at a political rally in Nangere Local Government Area that he would pay the bride price of women whose husbands divorced them for voting for the ruling party.

Gadaka later apologised, saying his comment had been misunderstood and was intended as a joke referencing a traditional relationship between the Gamawa and Kare-Kare communities.

Similarly, Danjuma Shekwolo, Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, previously told residents to support the APC or leave the council.

Shekwolo subsequently clarified that the comment was made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists and was not intended to deny residents their rights because of their political affiliation.

In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, was also reported to have called on his supporters to attack members of the Accord ahead of the state’s August 15 governorship election.

Tenebe’s latest comments have added to the series of contentious remarks by political actors as parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.