Jarret Tenebe, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has ignited public fury after declaring hatred for Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.
He also threatened to “smoke out” anyone who opposes APC in Edo.
During a press conference captured on video, Tenebe backed earlier threats from the APC-backed governor.
He stated that Obi must seek permission before visiting Edo State.
The 3-minute video, shared widely on social media, shows Tenebe issuing alarming remarks.
“Peter Obi cannot enter Edo without permission because many people here, including me, hate him,” he said. “If anyone stands in our way, we will smoke them out.”
Tenebe insisted that Obi should inform the governor before visiting. He claimed this would allow APC members to leave Edo temporarily.
“The governor said what he said because it’s the right thing. Anyone talking otherwise is talking nonsense,” he said.
He also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying its members should leave the state. “ADC should be careful.
We don’t recognize them here. Only PDP remains. If you identify with ADC, leave Edo for us,” he warned.
Social Media Reacts with Anger
Nigerians online condemned Tenebe’s statements. Many called his comments a threat to democracy. One user, @GIbadin, wrote, “They are scared. This will only push Obidients to support Peter Obi even more in Edo.”
Another user, @MysteryMahn, tagged security agencies and demanded Tenebe’s arrest.
“This is selective justice. If you ignore this, you are serving the APC, not the people,” he said.
Some accused President Bola Tinubu of enabling dangerous rhetoric. @princejH2O called Tinubu “worse than cancer” and demanded resistance by all legal means.
Critics urged Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former APC chairman, to speak up.
“Has Oshiomhole condemned this madness?” asked @peculiarpat1. “He once led NLC as a democrat. Where is his voice now?”