HURIWA Demands DSS Probe Of Edo APC Chair Over Alleged ‘AK-47 Fire’ Threat

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite and investigate the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, over alleged threats involving “AK-47 fire” against those opposed to the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the reported remarks as dangerous political rhetoric that should not be dismissed as ordinary campaign language, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.

According to HURIWA, Tenebe made the remarks while addressing supporters during the APC’s mobilisation activities across Edo State.

The rights group alleged that the APC chairman said anyone who attempted to frustrate the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for Tinubu would face “AK-47 fire.”

HURIWA further alleged that Tenebe referred to “Holy Ghost fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun” during the same address.

The association said political competition should not become a justification for threatening citizens, opposition supporters or political opponents with firearms.

HURIWA therefore urged the DSS to invite Tenebe to explain the context, intention and meaning of the remarks and determine whether they amount to a criminal threat or violate any provision of Nigerian law.

The group also called on security agencies to examine whether inflammatory political rhetoric could be contributing to threats against opposition politicians and their supporters in Edo State.

HURIWA recalled the reported February 2026 attack on Peter Obi and other African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders during a political gathering in Benin City.

According to the association, armed men reportedly attacked the gathering, forcing Obi and other political figures to seek safety, while security agencies subsequently commenced investigations into the incident.

The rights group said the reported attack makes any public reference to firearms during political mobilisation particularly troubling.

HURIWA, however, stressed that any connection between political statements and subsequent acts of violence must be established through credible investigation and evidence.

The association consequently challenged the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate whether inflammatory political rhetoric was contributing to threats against opposition politicians and their supporters in Edo State.

It warned that security agencies should act proactively to prevent political threats from escalating into violence rather than waiting for another attack before taking action.

HURIWA also called on the APC leadership to publicly condemn threats involving firearms and make it clear that electoral competition must remain within the bounds of democratic practice.

The association said Nigerians have a constitutional right to support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.

It urged political parties and their officials to seek votes through persuasion, policies and lawful mobilisation rather than threats.

HURIWA therefore reiterated its call for the DSS to invite Tenebe, investigate the reported remarks and make its findings public.

The association warned that the 2027 elections should not become a period in which references to firearms are treated as ordinary political campaign language.