The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has come under fire following a controversial threat involving AK-47 rifles against anyone who attempts to frustrate the party’s plan to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tenebe made the remarks on October 2, 2026, in Benin City, while addressing APC supporters at a party gathering organised after the recently concluded local government council election in the state.
Speaking at the event, the APC chairman said Governor Monday Okpebholo had promised to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in Edo State, insisting that the party was determined to make good on the pledge. 
He also claimed that the APC secured 2,158,600 votes in the recent local government election, describing the alleged result as an unprecedented achievement in the state’s political history.
However, his address took a controversial turn when he issued a warning to individuals he accused of attempting to obstruct the party’s electoral ambitions.
“Those who do not wish us well, who want to create an obstacle for us, I have a prayer for you,” Tenebe said.
He went further, making an explicit reference to the use of firearms against anyone who might stand in the party’s way.
“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,” he declared.
Tenebe reportedly reinforced the controversial remark by comparing his statement to the use of a general-purpose machine gun, further repeating the phrase “AK-47 fire” in reference to those he accused of opposing the party’s objective.
His comments have drawn attention because of their apparent reference to armed violence in the context of political competition and the mobilisation of votes for the 2027 presidential election.
The remarks have also raised questions about the language political leaders use when addressing opponents and the implications of making threats involving firearms during political gatherings.
