BENIN CITY, Oct. 6 — A group identifying itself as Concerned Edo Voters has raised the alarm over what it describes as an alleged plot to use security agencies to monitor, intimidate and arrest prominent opposition politicians and supporters in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the group alleged that a list containing names of members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), NDC and other opposition groups had been compiled for possible surveillance, harassment and arrest.
The group alleged that the purported operation involved Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jarrett Tenebe, members of his team and persons said to be acting on behalf of the state government.
The allegations have not been independently verified by The African Comet, and no evidence establishing the existence of the alleged watchlist was supplied with the statement.
There was also no immediate response from Tenebe, the Edo APC or the state government to the fresh allegations at the time of publication.
The latest alarm, however, comes only four days after Tenebe publicly invoked “AK-47 fire” while addressing APC supporters and speaking about the party’s determination to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
In a video of the remarks, which circulated widely and was reported by several Nigerian news organisations, Tenebe warned those who might stand in the way of the APC achieving the vote target.
“If you invoke a general-purpose machine gun, that one is lighter,” Tenebe said, before declaring that anyone who wanted to stand in the party’s way of securing the votes intended for the President would face “AK-47 fire.” (Foundation For Investigative Journalism)
The remarks triggered criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The ADC subsequently called on the Police, Department of State Services and Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate the statement and its implications for the approaching elections. (Punch Newspapers)
Against that backdrop, Tuesday’s allegations of a purported watchlist and planned arrests are likely to heighten concerns over political tension and the security of opposition figures in Edo State.
90-YEAR-OLD FATHER OF ADC CANDIDATE REPORTEDLY TAKEN
The statement also drew attention to the reported removal of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen from his residence at about 4 a.m. on Tuesday by armed men who allegedly identified themselves as police officers.
Pa Iduoriyekemwen is the father of Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the ADC candidate for Edo South Senatorial District.
Concerned Edo Voters said the circumstances surrounding the reported incident had deepened fears among opposition supporters, particularly against the background of the increasingly charged political atmosphere in the state.
The African Comet could not independently confirm as of publication the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, whether Pa Iduoriyekemwen was in official police custody, or the identity of those who reportedly took him away.
The group stopped short of presenting evidence directly linking the reported incident involving Pa Iduoriyekemwen to the alleged watchlist.
FIGO NAMED AMONG ALLEGED TARGETS
Among those said to be particularly at risk is Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo, popularly known as Mr Figo, whom the group described as its Home Contact Person.
According to the statement, information available to the group suggested that opposition figures could be placed under surveillance and subsequently arrested on allegedly fabricated criminal allegations.
More seriously, the group claimed that the threat against Igbinevbo could extend beyond arrest.
“In the case of Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr Figo), the information available to us indicates that the alleged threat goes beyond arrest, with a possible plot to kill him and silence him permanently,” the statement said.
The group alleged that the purpose of the purported operation was to intimidate opposition figures, distract them and interfere with their ability to campaign freely ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
“Our lives are in danger,” the statement declared.
It further warned that attempts to portray its members or opposition activists as “criminals, terrorists, kidnappers or cultists” should be subjected to proper scrutiny rather than accepted without evidence.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the alleged watchlist and reported threats to life and provide appropriate protection.
It also urged ECOWAS, the African Union, European Union, United States, United Kingdom and international human-rights organisations to pay close attention to political and security developments in Edo State.
“All Edo people” were urged to remain calm and vigilant and to document and report credible threats.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. Edo belongs to all of us,” the statement concluded.
The African Comet will update this developing story as responses emerge from the Edo State Government, the APC, Police or DSS.
