By Fatima Saka
The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has said his controversial reference to the AK-47 was not an endorsement of violence but a metaphor for firmness, resilience and determination in protecting the people’s votes.
Tenebe explained that the expression was intended to encourage voters to remain steadfast in their democratic choices and resist attempts to compromise the integrity of their votes during the electoral process.
The APC chairman said the analogy was based on qualities popularly associated with the AK-47, including strength, reliability and firmness, stressing that the reference was symbolic and had no connection with the use of firearms.
He said defending the vote was a civic responsibility that required citizens to remain vigilant, demand transparency and use lawful channels to protect their choices throughout the electoral process.
According to him, electoral strength should be demonstrated through peaceful participation, responsible engagement and the use of legitimate democratic mechanisms rather than confrontation or violence.
Tenebe stressed that the distinction was important, noting that his message was about being strong in political conviction and unwavering in democratic participation, not about wielding weapons or encouraging lawlessness.
He said the essence of the analogy was “resilience without violence and firmness without lawlessness,” urging voters to value their ballots and remain committed to the democratic process.
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The APC chairman maintained that citizens must stand responsibly behind their lawful choices and ensure that their votes are not casually compromised after being cast.
He added that the reference to the AK-47 was intended only to symbolise strength, firmness, reliability and resolve in the defence of democratic values.
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