Amnesty International Nigeria has accused Nigeria’s security agencies of failing to adequately respond to alleged threats of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation specifically cited the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging that some politicians continue to make public statements threatening violence in disregard of the rule of law and provisions of the Electoral Act.
In a statement published on Friday, Amnesty International Nigeria said it was concerned about remarks attributed to the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe.
According to Amnesty, Tenebe was quoted as threatening to invoke the “power of AK-47” against anyone allegedly seeking to frustrate the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Amnesty said the alleged statement was made during a campaign rally in Edo State, where it said political violence was already a concern.
The human rights organisation said security agencies had a responsibility to respond to public threats of violence, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
“Clearly, Jarret Tenebe is a danger to democracy and the rule of law and must be held to account,” Amnesty said.
The organisation further called on Nigerian authorities to ensure accountability for politicians and other leaders who carry out, incite or threaten politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or human rights abuses.
“Ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond, it is essential that the Nigerian authorities ensure that any politician or other leaders, of any political party or grouping, responsible for carrying out, inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or human rights abuses must be held to account,” Amnesty said.
It urged authorities to apply the law without discrimination to individuals or groups, regardless of political affiliation.
