2027 ELECTION: PANDEF YOUTH LEADER DONBEN DONYEGHA CALLS FOR ACTION OVER EDO APC CHAIRMAN’S ‘AK-47’ REMARK
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
The National Youth Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Hon. Engr. Donben Donyegha, has called for urgent intervention following a controversial viral video in which the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, allegedly made references to “AK-47 fire” and a general-purpose machine gun while discussing the party’s 2027 electoral ambitions.
Reports by Nigerian media organisations indicate that Tenebe made the remarks while addressing APC supporters in Edo State and discussing the party’s reported target of securing 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. (Vanguard News)
In the video reported by the media, Tenebe referred to people who might attempt to obstruct the party’s efforts and subsequently mentioned “AK-47 fire.” The comments have generated public concern and calls for the authorities to examine the context and implications of the statement. (Investigative Journalism Nigeria)
PANDEF YOUTH LEADER REACTS
Reacting to the development, Chief Hon. Engr. Donben Donyegha, National Youth Leader of PANDEF, warned South-South youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence during the 2027 elections.
Donyegha stressed that political power is temporary, while human life and peaceful coexistence remain invaluable.
He called on political leaders to discourage inflammatory language and urged relevant authorities to ensure that every Nigerian is able to participate in the 2027 elections without intimidation, threats or violence.
He particularly appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay attention to statements capable of heightening political tension.
Donyegha also called on the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, to strengthen its peace-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general election and encourage political parties and their leaders to commit themselves to peaceful electoral conduct.
‘NO YOUTH SHOULD DIE FOR ANY POLITICIAN’
The PANDEF youth leader maintained that South-South youths must reject any attempt by politicians to recruit them for electoral violence.
According to Donyegha, elections will come and go, but communities and families will continue to live with the consequences of violence long after political contests have ended.
He therefore urged youths across the six South-South states to protect their lives, reject political thuggery and resist being manipulated into attacking opponents or intimidating voters.
His position is consistent with the broader principle associated with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who famously maintained that no political ambition should be worth the blood of a Nigerian.
CALL FOR PEACEFUL 2027 ELECTION
Donyegha urged all political parties in Edo State and across Nigeria to focus on policies, development and peaceful mobilisation rather than threats or inflammatory rhetoric.
He said every voter should have the freedom to support the candidate or political party of his or her choice without fear.
The PANDEF youth leader further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth organisations and security agencies to work together to prevent political violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
SECURITY AGENCIES URGED TO ACT WITHIN THE LAW
The controversy has already attracted calls for official scrutiny. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), for example, has urged the DSS to invite Tenebe and investigate the context of the reported remarks. (Vanguard News)
Any investigation, however, should establish the facts, determine the full context of the video and allow the appropriate authorities to decide whether any law was breached.
The central concern remains the protection of citizens and the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic process.
OUR POSITION
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, political leaders must understand that inflammatory statements can have serious consequences, particularly in an environment where political tensions can quickly spread among supporters.
No election victory is worth the loss of a human life.
The right to vote is a constitutional democratic right, and every Nigerian should be able to exercise that right freely, peacefully and without intimidation.
Global Egberi Media International Ltd therefore joins the call for peaceful political engagement and urges all political actors, particularly those seeking public office or leading political organisations, to place the safety and unity of Nigerians above partisan interests.
Election will come and go. Nigeria will remain. Our youths must live to build the nation after every election.
— Global Egberi Media International Ltd
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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