…HURIWA demands probe
By Chioma Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite and investigate the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, over his alleged reference to “AK-47 fire” during the party’s mobilisation activities in the state.
HURIWA, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, yesterday, said Tenebe should explain the context and intention of the remarks and urged the DSS to determine whether they contravened any provision of Nigerian law.
Tenebe was reportedly addressing APC supporters on the party’s mobilisation efforts when he referred to “AK-47 fire”, alongside references to “Holy Ghost fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun”, while speaking about those who might frustrate the party’s target of securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Reacting to the remarks, HURIWA said political competition should not involve references to firearms or intimidation.
The group said, “Political competition cannot become a justification for threatening citizens, opposition supporters or political opponents with firearms.”
HURIWA urged the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to examine the remarks and establish their context, intention and possible legal implications.
The association said the development was particularly concerning as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against the normalisation of violent political rhetoric.
HURIWA also recalled the reported February 2026 attack on African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, including Peter Obi, during a political gathering in Benin City.
According to the group, armed men reportedly disrupted the gathering, forcing Obi and other political figures to seek safety, while security agencies subsequently commenced investigations.
However, HURIWA cautioned against drawing a direct connection between the reported attack and Tenebe’s comments without credible evidence.
It said, “Any connection between political statements and subsequent acts of violence must be established through credible investigation and evidence.”
The rights group therefore urged security agencies to determine whether inflammatory political rhetoric was contributing to threats against political actors and supporters in Edo State.
It also called on the APC leadership to publicly condemn references to firearms in political mobilisation and reaffirm that electoral competition should be conducted within the bounds of democratic practice.
HURIWA said political parties and their officials should seek votes through persuasion, policies and lawful mobilisation rather than intimidation.
The group urged the DSS to invite Tenebe, investigate the reported remarks and make its findings public.
It further stressed that Nigerians have the right to support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or violence, urging all political actors to uphold peaceful democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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