The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has threatened to kill a critic following a social media report alleging that Governor Monday Okpebholo travelled to Abuja to protest his exclusion from the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
The controversy started with a Facebook post by Samuel Iyobosa, who claimed that Okpebholo had travelled to Abuja to protest his alleged exclusion from the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Tenebe reacted to Iyobosa’s post by threatening him, stating, “Bastard stop lying and if you continue you die.”
The threat subsequently triggered further exchanges between Tenebe and other social media users who commented on the development.
One of the users, Baron Mike, wrote, “Nehizena Ogunrobo see as party chairman dey react. Brainless man.”
In response, Tenebe allegedly wrote, “Baron Mike talk nonsense you die because you are talking rubbish.”
Tenebe also directed another comment at Baron Mike, stating, “Baron Mike Baron Mike come to Nigeria and talk.”
Baron Mike subsequently replied, “Jarrett Tenebe you do no jack, you severe opportunist.”
Tenebe also issued another threat against a Facebook user identified as Nehizena Ogunrobo.
He wrote, “Nehizena Ogunrobo you are a bastard, say your real name I will look for your father, bastard fool,God punish your entire family, if you cough and I find where you are I f*** you up idiot.”
The comments have raised concerns over the conduct of political leaders and the use of threatening and abusive language in responding to criticism.
A socio-accountability platform, MonITNG, described the alleged statements attributed to Tenebe as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable” and urged the APC leadership to investigate the matter.
In a statement addressed to Governor Okpebholo, the platform said, “What is happening within the APC in Edo State raises serious concerns about political maturity and responsible leadership.”
It added, “Reports that you travelled to Abuja to protest the exclusion of your name from the APC Presidential Campaign Council should ordinarily be addressed through internal party channels and constructive dialogue.”
The platform, however, expressed concern over Tenebe’s alleged response to the report.
“However, the response attributed to Edo State APC Chairman Jarrate Tenebe—“Bastard, stop lying and if you continue you die”—is deeply disturbing and unacceptable, particularly coming from a senior party official,” the statement said.
According to the platform, political disagreements are a normal feature of democracy and should not be settled through intimidation or threats.
“Political disagreements are normal in a democracy. Criticism should be answered with facts, not insults, intimidation or threats to life. No political disagreement justifies language that could reasonably be interpreted as a threat of violence,” it said.
The platform urged the APC to demonstrate that internal disagreements could be resolved through dialogue and established mechanisms.
“The APC, as a major political party, must demonstrate that disagreements can be resolved through dialogue, facts and established party mechanisms,” it added.
It further called on political leaders to promote civility, accountability and respect for human life.
“Edo people and Nigerians deserve leaders who promote civility, accountability and respect for human life. Party loyalty should never come at the expense of democratic values,” it said.
Reacting separately, Ilevbaoje Imoukhuede of MonITNG also criticised Tenebe over the alleged responses, warning that his choice of words could damage the image of the APC.
Addressing the Edo APC chairman, Imoukhuede said, “With all due respect, your choice of words and the manner in which you respond to criticism are deeply concerning.”
He added, “As a state chairman of a political party, you are expected to demonstrate maturity, restraint, civility and responsible leadership.”
Imoukhuede further criticised the alleged use of threatening and abusive language, saying, “Threatening people and using abusive language does not reflect the standards expected of someone occupying such a position.”
He urged Tenebe to exercise caution in his public statements.
“You need to carefully guide and watch your choice of words, because your utterances also reflect on the party you represent,” he said.
Imoukhuede also questioned Tenebe’s suitability for the position, stating, “At the moment, your conduct raises serious questions about your suitability for the office you occupy.”
He added sarcastically, “If you feel you need a refresher in leadership, decorum and responsible public communication, I would be more than willing to recommend a good leadership school for you.”
He further said, “The way you are conducting yourself increasingly resembles that of a motor-park tout rather than the chairman of a major political party.”
The allegations come amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties, leaders and supporters increasingly engaging in public debates and exchanges, particularly on social media.
MonITNG urged the appropriate APC authorities to examine the alleged statements and ensure that political disagreements do not escalate into threats, intimidation or personal attacks.
The platform stressed that political office holders have a responsibility to uphold higher standards of conduct.
“Leadership comes with responsibility, and public officials must be held to a higher standard,” it said.
