Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged appearance of the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, in an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observer’s vest during Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.
The coalition said the alleged incident has raised serious concerns about the neutrality and independence of the nation’s electoral umpire, declaring that it no longer has confidence in the ability of the present leadership of INEC to conduct credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, and National Secretary, Hon. Nkama Waribe, the CRPP described the development as disturbing and capable of undermining public trust in the country’s democratic process.
The coalition noted that the reported sight of a serving State chairman of the ruling APC wearing official INEC identification during an election created an unfortunate perception that the boundaries between the governing party and the electoral commission were becoming increasingly blurred.
It emphasized, “the incident creates the 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 coalition stated.
CRPP said it was unacceptable for such situation to occur and called on INEC to immediately explain the circumstances under which Tenebe appeared in the commission’s vest as well as clarify any role he may have played during the election.
It also argued that concerns over bias, selective application of electoral regulations and undue influence by the ruling party have continued to gain prominence among political stakeholders across the country.
The coalition also insisted on an independent investigation into the matter and urged relevant authorities to hold accountable anyone found culpable of violating electoral procedures or ethical standards.
However, spokesman for Edo State chapter of the APC, Barr. Peter Igbinigie Uwadiae, maintained that any Nigerian who is duly accredited has the right to serve as an election observer.
”Let them tell us the offence he has committed. Anybody can be an observer in any election. Did he interfere with the procedure? Did he interfere with the process?” he queried.
