The Amnesty International Nigeria has accused Nigeria’s security agencies of failing in their responsibilities amid alleged threats of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation made the allegation in a statement posted on its X account, citing a reported threat by the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jarret Tenebe.

Amnesty said Tenebe was quoted as threatening to invoke the “power of AK-47” against anyone allegedly plotting to frustrate the APC’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

According to the rights organisation, Tenebe made the statement during a campaign rally in Edo State, which it described as an area where political violence was already a concern.

Amnesty criticised the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services for what it described as a failure to act while politicians allegedly make public threats of violence ahead of the elections.

The organisation said the reported statement was made “in utter disregard for the rule of law and the nation’s Electoral Act.”

Amnesty International Nigeria further called on the relevant authorities to ensure that politicians and other leaders who carry out, incite or threaten politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or human rights abuses are held accountable.

The organisation said, “Nigeria’s security agencies are failing in their responsibilities, @PoliceNG @OfficialDSSNG as some politicians continue to publicly threaten violence ahead of 2027 elections, in utter disregard for the rule of law and the nation’s Electoral Act.

“The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, was quoted threatening “to invoke the “power of AK-47” against anyone plotting to thwart the party’s plan to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.”

Nigeria’s security agencies are failing in their responsibilities, @PoliceNG @OfficialDSSNG as some politicians continue to publicly threaten violence ahead of 2027 elections, in utter disregard for the rule of law and the nation’s Electoral Act.

“Ahead of 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 or inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically-motivated violence or human rights abuses must be held to account.”