CRPP fumes over APC Chairman’s appearance in INEC vest

By Jethro Ibileke

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has criticised the appearance of the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, in what it said was official attire of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the coalition described the incident as a troubling development that raises concerns about the neutrality and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The statement, signed by CRPP Chairman Dr Samson Isibor and National Secretary Hon. Nkama Waribe, argued that the sight of a senior APC official wearing an INEC vest and allegedly taking part in election observation activities could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

According to the coalition, the incident has intensified concerns about the perceived independence of the electoral commission and has fuelled allegations that the institution is becoming increasingly partisan.

“For an individual who occupies a strategic leadership position in the ruling APC to be adorned in official INEC identification during an election is a disgraceful development that undermines public confidence in the democratic process.

“It sends a wrong signal to Nigerians and creates the unfortunate impression that there is no longer a clear distinction between the ruling party and the institution constitutionally empowered to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.

“The CRPP finds it unacceptable that INEC could permit such a glaring conflict of interest and gross violation of the principles of electoral neutrality.”

The coalition said INEC must provide a clear account of how the situation occurred and clarify whether Tenebe played any role in the conduct of the election.

It further stated that the incident reflects what it described as a gradual decline in public trust in the electoral commission under the leadership of its chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).

“We therefore hold the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) responsible for the steady erosion of public trust in the Commission.

“Under his watch, INEC has repeatedly failed to inspire confidence among political stakeholders, while allegations of bias, selective application of electoral rules, and undue influence by the ruling party continue to gain traction.

“The Ekiti incident has further reinforced the widespread belief that the APC has effectively captured key democratic institutions, including INEC, thereby compromising the transparency and credibility of elections in Nigeria.”

The CRPP said it no longer has confidence in the current leadership of INEC to ensure a fair electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition also urged civil society groups, election observers and members of the international community to closely monitor developments within Nigeria’s electoral space.

“We call on civil society organisations, the international community, election observers, and all lovers of democracy to pay close attention to the dangerous signals emerging from Nigeria’s electoral environment.

“Democracy cannot thrive where the electoral umpire is perceived as an extension of the ruling party.”

The group called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tenebe’s presence at the Ekiti governorship election and insisted that anyone found culpable should be held accountable.

“The CRPP further demands a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the participation of Emperor Jarrett Tenebe in the Ekiti governorship election and insists that those responsible for this embarrassment to Nigeria’s democracy be held accountable.

“The integrity of elections remains the cornerstone of democratic governance. Any action capable of diminishing public trust in the electoral process must be resisted by all democratic forces.”