Amnesty International Nigeria has called on security agencies to investigate and hold accountable politicians accused of threatening political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The human rights organisation made the call following reports that the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, allegedly threatened to use the “power of AK-47” against individuals accused of frustrating the party’s plan to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.Amnesty International disclosed its position in a statement published on its verified Facebook account on Saturday.

According to the organisation, the alleged threat was made during a campaign rally in Edo State, where it said political violence was already a concern.

The organisation also questioned the response of security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to what it described as public threats of violence by politicians.

Amnesty International said such statements were being made in disregard of the rule of law and the provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

It urged security agencies to investigate the reported comments and ensure that political leaders are held accountable for statements or actions capable of inciting, threatening or promoting politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence.

The rights group stressed that accountability should apply to individuals across political affiliations, adding that anyone responsible for encouraging or carrying out violence and human rights abuses should face the consequences.

It further called for measures to ensure that perpetrators of political violence are held accountable before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The call comes amid preparations by political parties and their supporters for the next general elections, with concerns over inflammatory rhetoric and threats capable of undermining peaceful political participation.