HURIWA asks the DSS to investigate Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe over remarks referencing firearms during political mobilisation.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, over remarks reportedly referencing “AK-47 fire” during a party mobilisation exercise.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, over remarks reportedly referencing “AK-47 fire” during a party mobilisation exercise.
Tenebe reportedly made the remarks while addressing APC supporters during mobilisation activities aimed at securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to HURIWA, the APC chairman referenced “AK-47 fire”, alongside “Holy Ghost fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun”, while discussing individuals who could frustrate the party’s electoral target.
The association said political mobilisation should be based on persuasion, policies and lawful engagement rather than language that could be interpreted as threatening.
“Political competition cannot become a justification for threatening citizens, opposition supporters or political opponents with firearms,” HURIWA said.
It urged both the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to examine the remarks and determine whether they violated any Nigerian law.
HURIWA also expressed concern over the timing of the comments as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against the normalisation of violent rhetoric in political campaigns.
The group referred to a reported attack on African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, including Peter Obi, during a political gathering in Benin City in February 2026. It said armed men reportedly disrupted the event, prompting Obi and other political figures to seek safety, while security agencies began investigations.
However, HURIWA cautioned against linking the reported attack to Tenebe’s comments without credible evidence.
“Any connection between political statements and subsequent acts of violence must be established through credible investigation and evidence,” it said.
The rights group therefore asked security agencies to examine whether inflammatory political statements could contribute to threats against political actors and supporters in Edo State.
It also called on the APC leadership to condemn references to firearms in political mobilisation and reaffirm its commitment to peaceful democratic participation.
HURIWA further urged the DSS to invite Tenebe, investigate the reported remarks and make its findings public, stressing that Nigerians should be able to support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or violence.
