BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Jarrett Tenebe, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has threatened to physically confront Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, saying he would bite the former Anambra State governor and spit in the faces of both opposition politicians.
Tenebe made the remarks during an interview published by Saturday Tribune on Saturday, October 10, 2026, while defending President Bola Tinubu against criticism from opposition leaders.
The APC chairman said he considered the opposition politicians’ comments about Tinubu insulting and would personally confront them if they met.
“If I see them, I will spit in their faces,” Tenebe said.
He described how he would pretend to approach Abubakar affectionately before spitting at him.
Tenebe directed more hostile remarks towards Obi, saying he would bite the former governor’s nose or ear if they encountered each other.
“As for Obi, I hate him, and I maintain that,” he declared.
He said his feelings towards Obi were different from his objections to Abubakar, whose criticism of Tinubu he identified as the source of his dislike.
Tenebe also questioned Obi’s political alliance with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whom he described as Obi’s running mate under the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
He argued that the two politicians held conflicting positions on certain issues, citing their differing attitudes towards alcohol consumption as an example.
The APC chairman maintained that opposition politicians should concentrate on policy debates rather than criticising the president personally.
Tenebe Defends Earlier AK-47 Remarks
The interview also addressed an earlier controversy involving Tenebe’s reference to an AK-47 rifle during an APC political gathering in Edo State.
In a video circulated by Leadership, Tenebe warned those who might obstruct the party’s efforts to secure 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, invoking “AK-47 fire” against them.
VIDEO: Edo APC Chairman Makes Controversial ‘AK-47’ Remark Over Tinubu’s 2.5m Vote Target
Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe has sparked controversy after saying anyone who attempts to obstruct the party’s bid to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu….. “AK-47 f!re.”
— LEADERSHIP NEWS (@LeadershipNGA) October 2, 2026
The comments attracted criticism from Amnesty International Nigeria, which called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to hold political figures accountable for statements threatening violence.
Tenebe rejected suggestions that he had threatened to shoot political opponents.
He said his remarks had been taken out of context and described the reference to the rifle as a prayer against those opposing his party’s electoral ambitions.
Tenebe compared his words to religious expressions invoking divine punishment, maintaining that he had not advocated physically attacking anyone.
He also defended the APC’s ambition to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in Edo State, claiming that the party’s performance in recent local government elections provided a basis for that target.
Previous Statements About Obi
Tenebe’s latest comments followed an earlier public declaration of hostility towards Obi in 2025.
During a televised interview with TVC, the APC chairman defended his right to dislike political figures and rejected a presenter’s suggestion that he should distinguish between disliking and hating someone.
The remarks followed a controversy involving Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had said Obi should obtain clearance before visiting the state.
Tenebe supported the governor’s position and claimed that Obi was widely disliked in Edo State.
His latest statements, also renewed attention to his remarks about opposition figures as political parties prepare for the 2027 presidential election.
Neither Obi nor Abubakar had publicly responded to the latest statements in the reports reviewed.
The APC’s national leadership also has not responded to this development.
