Admin I Saturday, Oct.03, 2026
LAGOS — Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has called out Nigeria’s security agencies, accusing them of failing in their fundamental responsibilities as political actors increasingly threaten violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement addressing rising pre-election tensions, the human rights organization highlighted the inaction of law enforcement bodies, specifically targeting the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) for allowing politicians to operate in total disregard for the rule of law and the Electoral Act 2022.
The watchdog’s condemnation follows viral remarks made by the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe. During a recent campaign rally in Edo State, Tenebe explicitly threatened to unleash firearms against political rivals who stand in the party’s way.
”Anybody who refuses, who also wants to stand in our way from getting 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu… AK-47 fire!” Tenebe was quoted saying in a circulating video clip.
Amnesty International declared Tenebe’s utterances a direct danger to democratic governance, warning that allowing such inciteful rhetoric to go unpunished in a state already troubled by political violence sets a perilous precedent for the nation.
Calls for Urgent Prosecutorial Action
The organization emphasized that the impunity enjoyed by political elites undermining public peace must be checked immediately. Section 92 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022 strictly prohibits political rhetoric that incites violence or threatens public order, requiring security agencies to swiftly investigate and prosecute offenders.
Despite explicit legal frameworks, security institutions have remained silent regarding Tenebe’s statements, drawing widespread criticism from civil society organizations and opposition stakeholders who warn against selective enforcement of the law.
Edo State has historically remained an intense political battleground in the South-South region, with recent elections characterized by extreme inter-party disputes and political clashes. Tenebe’s remarks were delivered shortly after state political activities intensified surrounding the party’s mobilization strategy for the 2027 presidential polls.
Human rights groups and election monitors continue to stress that guaranteeing a peaceful and credible electoral process in 2027 requires impartial law enforcement.
Amnesty International reiterated that Nigerian authorities must hold accountable any political actor—regardless of political party affiliation or status—who incites or carries out politically, ethnically, or religiously motivated violence.
