In a disturbing development that has ignited widespread outrage online and among political commentators, Jarrett Tenebe, the Acting Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly threatened to kill a woman who criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo on Facebook.

Blessing P. Agho, a businesswoman and active user on the social media platform, posted screenshots of a private message sent to her by Tenebe that has now gone viral and drawn sharp reactions from citizens and civil society.

In the exchange, the APC State Chairman is reported to have told Agho:

“Your death is close. You are a bastard, just show where you are if you can… Death awaits you, idiot. Send me your address or come out to Wuse 2 in front of Atiku’s campaign office at 9 pm tomorrow.”

The chilling threat, made via Facebook Messenger, explicitly referenced violence and an apparent invitation for a confrontation — a message that has sparked alarm about political conduct and safety in the state.

After receiving the messages, Agho shared the screenshots publicly, accompanied by a strongly worded post questioning Tenebe’s fitness for political leadership:

“The APC state chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, threatened me via messenger. How did this retarded, mentally unstable person end up becoming state chairman? No wonder there are calls to remove him from office. Okpebholo, see your state party chairman. When will you demolish his house?”

Agho’s post has since been widely shared on social media platforms, triggering condemnation from Nigerians who say such threats are unacceptable, especially from someone holding a prominent political position. Many have also called on security agencies — including the police — to intervene and investigate the matter.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

Several social media users expressed shock and disbelief that an elected political figure would resort to threatening violence in response to criticism — a response critics say undermines democratic norms and freedom of expression. Calls for Tenebe to be formally questioned by law enforcement have grown louder since the screenshots circulated.

Legal experts say that threatening another person with death — whether in private messages or public posts — may constitute a criminal offence under Nigerian law. They argue that both the police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) may need to determine if Tenebe’s remarks meet the threshold for prosecution.

Political Context

This incident comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Edo State as the ruling APC consolidates its position under Governor Okpebholo’s administration. It also follows previous controversies involving Tenebe, including criticisms of his leadership style and rhetoric toward opponents.

Political observers suggest the episode could have consequences both for Tenebe’s lead