Edo APC chair invokes ‘AK-47 fire’ over 2027 vote target

Jarrett Tenebe, chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, said in a video circulated online that anyone obstructing the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 would face “AK-47 fire.” His remarks, made at a party gathering in Benin City, have drawn accusations of inciting electoral violence from an opposition party spokesperson. Tenebe was speaking after Governor Monday Okpebholo said he had promised Tinubu 2.5 million votes from Edo, according to Tenebe’s account. The APC chairman said the party would work to meet the target and described the firearm reference as part of a prayer against those who might stand in its way. In the video, Tenebe also compared invoking “Holy Ghost fire” with references to a general-purpose machine gun, describing the latter as a lighter prayer. He connected the number of votes Edo delivers to potential development, including the creation of additional local government areas and states. The statements were made while the party was seeking support for Tinubu’s 2027 election bid. Tenebe cited the recent local government election as evidence that the party could mobilize large numbers of voters.