General News
AK-47 analogy was about ballot protection, not bullets – Edo APC Chair Tenebe
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has said that his AK-47 analogy was about ballot protection, not bullets.
Tenebe, who came under heavy criticism over the comment, said it was a metaphor for electoral firmness and not a call to arms.
He said the expression was intended to urge voters to stand firmly by their democratic choice and defend their votes.
According to him, just as AK-47 is associated with strength, firmness and reliability, the electorate must demonstrate same qualities in safeguarding their mandate.
The APC chairman said the reference was never meant to introduce violence into the electoral conversation.
He explained that the strength invoked was strength of conviction, not strength of arms.
He described vote defence as a civic responsibility requiring vigilance, transparency and accountability.
Tenebe said the analogy belongs to political symbolism where familiar objects are used to communicate resilience and determination.
He stressed that electoral vigilance must remain anchored in law, through peaceful participation, lawful observation and legitimate democratic mechanisms.
“The essence was resilience without violence and firmness without lawlessness,” he said.
He urged voters to value their votes, remain alert and stand responsibly behind their lawful choices.