The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has expressed strong hostility towards Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, threatening to spit in their faces over their opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Tenebe made the remarks during an interview in which he defended the policies of the Tinubu-led government and explained his controversial “AK-47 fire” comment.
The APC chairman declared that he would not hesitate to confront opposition figures over their criticism of the president, specifically naming Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), according to the account of the interview.
“If I see them, I will spit in their faces,” Tenebe said.
‘I Hate Peter Obi’
Tenebe expressed particular hostility towards Obi, accusing the former Anambra State governor of being insincere and questioning his political partnership with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Obi and Kwankwaso are identified in the account as presidential and vice-presidential contenders under the NDC for the 2027 elections.
“As for Obi, I hate him, and I maintain that. If I see him, I will spit in his face and bite his nose. I will pretend that I want to tell him something, then bite his ear and chew it. Take it like that. I hate him,” Tenebe said.
The remarks went beyond criticism of Obi’s political positions, expressing personal hostility towards the opposition figure.
Tenebe also indicated that he would direct similar contempt towards Atiku over his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
Questions Obi-Kwankwaso Political Alliance
The Edo APC chairman also questioned the compatibility of Obi and Kwankwaso, arguing that their positions on certain issues were inconsistent.
He cited their perceived differences over alcohol consumption as an example, using the issue to question whether the two politicians could work together effectively in governing Nigeria.
However, political differences between prospective leaders do not, by themselves, establish whether a political alliance can function effectively. That would depend on their policy agreements, governing arrangements and ability to manage disagreements.
Political Criticism and Responsible Public Discourse
Tenebe’s comments come amid intensifying political exchanges ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with supporters of the ruling APC and opposition parties increasingly defending their preferred candidates and challenging rival political positions.
While political leaders have the right to criticise government policies and opposition figures, threats of physical aggression and expressions of personal hostility risk diverting public debate from substantive issues affecting Nigerians.
The remarks also raise questions about the tone of political communication by party officials, particularly as the country prepares for another electoral contest.
With economic conditions, security, unemployment and governance among the issues likely to shape public debate ahead of 2027, political parties and their representatives face pressure to explain their policies and respond to criticism with evidence-based arguments.
Tenebe’s statements underscore the increasingly confrontational nature of political rhetoric, as disagreements over leadership and policy continue to shape relations between the ruling party and the opposition.
