The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, is at the moment going through intense public backlash after a video emerged from an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Benin City the place he threatened that anybody who makes an attempt to frustrate the occasion’s plan to safe 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu within the 2027 presidential election must be prepared to face “AK-47 fire”.
Tenebe remarks got here shortly after the occasion’s management within the state introduced its plans to work in the direction of delivering 2.5 million votes to Tinubu within the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking about those that may try to hinder the occasion’s mobilisation efforts, Tenebe stated: “Those who do not wish us well, who want to create an obstacle for us, I have a prayer for you.”
He added: “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.”
Before the “AK-47 fire” comment, Tenebe additionally referred to “Holy Ghost power” and a “general-purpose machine gun” whereas describing what he referred to as prayers in opposition to those that may represent an impediment to the occasion’s goal.
The inflammatory assertion prompted instant safety considerations and widespread criticism from opposition teams and civil society organisations.
Though it was gathered that he was invited by the police for questioning, however nothing got here out of it.
This is in sharp distinction with the current arrest and remand of 5 males in Maiduguri, Borno State who allegedly printed and wore T-shirts inscribed “Tinubu Must Go”. Tenebe’s menace is clearly inflammatory and provocative.
It suggests an try to instill worry amongst voters forward of the 2027 polls.
Since it breached provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, he must be investigated by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The upcoming elections would function a take a look at of the assorted administrations’ performances throughout occasion traces.
So, intimidation shouldn’t be used to forestall Nigerians from exercising their proper to vote and make their selections in a free and truthful ambiance.
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