The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, was invited and questioned over his controversial “AK-47 fire” remark linked to the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The disclosure was made by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aloyenu Francis Idu, who represented the Inspector-General of Police at an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
Tenebe had reportedly made the remarks while addressing APC supporters in Edo State, referring to “AK-47 fire” in the context of anyone attempting to frustrate the party’s efforts to deliver the targeted 2.5 million votes to Tinubu. The statement triggered criticism and calls from rights groups for security agencies to investigate the remarks.
The police invitation has now placed the controversial comments under formal security scrutiny as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the police action but called for what he described as equal application of the law.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku commended the security agencies for inviting politicians over alleged threats but argued that the same standard should apply to all political actors.
He alleged that some other politicians, including Esan West Local Government Chairman Blessing Ebhodaghe, Kuje Area Council Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo and Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba, had also made statements that warranted investigation but had yet to be invited.
Atiku’s camp said Nigerians deserved to know the outcome of investigations into such cases, warning that selective enforcement ahead of the 2027 elections could undermine confidence in security agencies.
Meanwhile, another politically charged case has emerged in Enugu, where the police have arraigned and secured the remand of 45-year-old Ani Samuel Chidi, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Chidi was arraigned before an Enugu East Magistrate’s Court sitting at Nkwo Nike on Monday, October 5, 2026, on three counts bordering on cybercrime and alleged criminal defamation.
The charges relate to his publication of video footage of a September 12 armed attack on an NDC political meeting at Obuoffia Awkunanaw, Enugu.
However, the police case against Chidi is more specific than simply filming the attack. According to the charge sheet, he was accused of publishing the footage and falsely identifying three individuals — Ani Nnabuike, Solomon Ifeanyi and Monday Anninwe — as members of the armed group that allegedly attacked the NDC meeting.
The case has generated controversy after the NDC alleged that suspected attackers were released while Chidi, who recorded and circulated the footage, was prosecuted.
The party has described the development as evidence of selective enforcement, although the allegations surrounding the release of the suspected attackers and the circumstances of the investigation remain contested and require independent verification.
The contrasting developments in Edo and Enugu have further intensified scrutiny of the conduct of security agencies as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections.
With political rhetoric increasingly featuring threats, allegations of intimidation and clashes between rival groups, pressure is mounting on security agencies to demonstrate that investigations and enforcement will be conducted consistently, irrespective of political affiliation.
For the police, the Tenebe investigation now provides an opportunity to establish exactly what was intended by the “AK-47 fire” reference and whether the statement violated any applicable law.
For political parties and their supporters, the cases also serve as a reminder that inflammatory rhetoric and the publication of politically sensitive material are likely to face heightened scrutiny as the 2027 electoral contest draws closer.
