The Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jarret Tenebe, has come under criticism after threatening “AK-47 fire” against anyone who stands in the way of the party’s plan to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Tenebe made the controversial remark during the ongoing APC mobilisation tour of Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo and other party leaders.
A video of the APC chairman addressing supporters has gone viral, with Tenebe warning those opposed to the party’s ambitious vote target.
He said the APC was determined to secure 2.5 million votes for Tinubu and would not allow anyone to frustrate the plan.
Tenebe claimed the number of votes delivered by a state could influence its prospects of attracting federal attention, including the creation of additional local government areas and states.
He said the APC had already shown its mobilisation strength during the recent local government elections, claiming the party secured 2,158,600 votes.
But it was his reference to firearms that triggered the controversy.
Describing his warning as a form of “prayer”, Tenebe said invoking “Holy Ghost power” would be stronger, while “General Purpose Machine Gun power” would be lighter.
He then declared: “So everybody 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 for the person.”
The remark has drawn criticism from opposition voices, particularly as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
The comments also come months after a political disturbance involving supporters of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City. Police said they launched a full-scale investigation into that incident and warned that political violence would not be tolerated.
Tenebe had earlier dismissed questions over how Edo could produce 2.5 million votes for Tinubu, referring to critics as “our haters, the opposition people and the social media politicians.”
The APC chairman insisted that the party’s target was achievable and urged members to work harder to deliver the promised votes.
The controversy has now put the spotlight on the language being used by political actors in Edo as the state’s APC begins an extensive mobilisation effort for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
