Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite and investigate Edo Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, over his reported “AK-47 fire” remark.
HURIWA made the demand in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, following remarks attributed to Tenebe during APC mobilisation activities in Edo.
Reports said Tenebe referred to “AK-47 fire”, “Holy Ghost fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun” while speaking about the party’s target of securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
HURIWA said the remarks should not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association called on the DSS to establish the context and intention of the remarks and determine whether they constituted a threat or violated any provision of Nigerian law.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to examine the security implications of the comments.
HURIWA said political competition should not involve threats or references to firearms against citizens, opposition supporters or political opponents.
The association recalled the February 2026 attack involving leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Peter Obi, during a political gathering in Benin City.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that hoodlums allegedly infiltrated an ADC gathering and that reports of gunshots at the residence of former Edo Governor John Odigie-Oyegun were received. The command subsequently ordered an investigation.
HURIWA said the incident made the reported reference to firearms during political mobilisation a matter requiring attention.
It, however, stressed that any connection between Tenebe’s remarks and subsequent acts of violence should be established through credible investigation and evidence.
The association urged security agencies to investigate whether inflammatory political rhetoric was contributing to threats against political actors and supporters in Edo.
It also called on the APC leadership to publicly condemn references to firearms in political mobilisation.
HURIWA said Nigerians had the right to support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or violence.
It urged political parties and their officials to seek votes through persuasion, policies and lawful mobilisation.
The association called on the DSS to invite Tenebe, investigate the reported remarks and make its findings public.
HURIWA said the 2027 elections should be conducted without political intimidation, urging all political actors to uphold peaceful democratic participation.
M.P
Tags: HURIWA Over AK 47 remark Probe Edo APC chair