Police invite, question Edo APC Chairman Tenebe over ‘AK-47’ threat

The Nigeria Police Force has invited and questioned the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, over his controversial reference to “AK-47 fire” against persons he accused of attempting to frustrate the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Aloyenu Francis Idu, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) World Press Conference and stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

Idu disclosed the development while responding to questions from journalists on the preparedness of the police and other security agencies to deal with inflammatory statements and threats capable of undermining the 2027 elections.

The police officer’s disclosure effectively confirms that Tenebe has been subjected to police questioning following the controversy generated by his remarks.

Controversial ‘AK-47’ Remark

Tenebe had recently come under criticism after a video circulated in which he appeared to threaten persons who might oppose the APC’s plan to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

In the video, the Edo APC chairman referred to “AK-47 fire” and also made references to “general-purpose machine gun” and “Holy Ghost power” while addressing supporters.

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“Anybody 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,” Tenebe was quoted as saying.

The comments generated concerns among opposition political parties and civil society groups, with calls for security agencies to investigate whether the statement amounted to a threat or incitement.

Although details of Tenebe’s questioning were not immediately made public, the senior police officer said the APC chairman had been invited and questioned in connection with the statement.

The development comes as security agencies face growing pressure to ensure that political rhetoric does not degenerate into threats, intimidation or violence as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.

The police had previously warned politicians and their supporters against statements capable of heating up the political environment.

The issue has particular significance in Edo, where political competition has in recent years been accompanied by allegations and counter-allegations of intimidation, violence and attempts to disrupt electoral activities.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) had earlier called on the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and INEC to investigate Tenebe’s comments.

The party argued that elections should be determined by voters and ballots rather than threats involving firearms.

Civil society groups have similarly called for scrutiny of political statements that could be interpreted as threats against opponents or other participants in the electoral process.

The controversy has also revived discussions about the responsibility of political party leaders to moderate their language, particularly as Nigeria approaches another general election.

The disclosure came at a significant moment, with INEC holding its World Press Conference and stakeholders’ meeting as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Security remains one of the major issues surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process, with the police and other agencies expected to provide a safe environment for campaigns, political rallies, voting and the collation of results.

The police are also expected to monitor statements and conduct by political actors that could potentially trigger violence.