2027: ADC Accuses Tenebe Of Threatening Election Violence In Edo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State has reacted to the state APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe’s declaration that the party would deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to Tenebe’s statement, the Edo State ADC spokesperson, Chris Ojeikere, accused him of threatening election violence in Edo state noting that he had similar remarks which had previously preceded an attack on the ADC secretariat in the state.

Ojeikere said Tenebe was “a known purveyor of violence, election and political brigandage,” alleging that he had made similar statements shortly before the ADC secretariat was allegedly attacked and burnt.

“Jarret is speaking and talking as is very typical of him. He is a known purveyor of violence, election and political brigandage. He made a similar statement shortly before they burnt down our secretariat in Edo.

“He said he didn’t recognise any ADC and that anybody who called himself ADC would be smoked out. And within two weeks, our secretariat was in smoke,” Ojeikere alleged.

He urged Nigerians and security agencies to pay attention to the language used by the APC chairman, particularly in the context of the 2027 elections.

Ojeikere also referred to Tenebe’s military background, alleging that his past training should make his comments a matter of concern.

“I want Nigerians to take particular note of the language used by Tenebe. If they consider that this is a man who went AWOL from the army, they should not take these words as exaggeration.

“They are expressions of a man whom the Nigerian government trained to serve this country and taught how to use the gun,” he said.

Ojeikere further alleged that Tenebe had demonstrated disregard for human lives, while accusing him of doing a disservice to the country.

He called on the APC, the Federal Government and Nigerians to take note of Tenebe’s statement, warning that the ADC would forward the video of the APC chairman’s comments to security agencies.

“We are calling on APC as a government and as a party, calling on Nigerians to take note of Jarret’s statement, and Nigerians must hold him responsible for any election violence in Benin City and other parts of Edo State.

“We are going to incident that video with security agencies that he is threatening fire and brimstone,” Ojeikere said.

He also referenced reports of violence in Osun State, saying similar threats should not be dismissed ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Recall that in Osun State, when we heard of a similar threat, we were told that about 40 persons had been killed in Osun State. So, this is not to be taken lightly,” he said.

However, Ojeikere said the ADC remained confident in the power of voters and the democratic process, declaring that the electorate would determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.

“We want Jarret to know that there are weapons that are stronger than war, and that is the people’s will. Nigerians’ desire to sustain this democracy is stronger than any weapon they want to use.

“Nigerians will come out and vote Atiku Abubakar come 2027,” he said.