Democracy Under Threat’: CRPP Demands Probe as APC Chairman Appears in INEC Vest

By Elvis Omoregie 

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the alleged appearance of the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, in official INEC attire during Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State.

Describing the development as a "disturbing and embarrassing spectacle," the coalition warned that the incident represents a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of Nigeria's electoral process.

In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, and National Secretary, Hon. Nkama Waribe, the CRPP said the incident has deepened concerns over the independence of the electoral commission and heightened public suspicion over alleged partisan interference in electoral processes.

According to the coalition, the alleged sighting of a serving APC state chairman wearing an INEC vest during an election creates a dangerous perception that the distinction between the ruling party and the electoral umpire is becoming increasingly blurred.

"For an individual occupying a strategic leadership position within the ruling party to be seen in official INEC identification during an election is unacceptable and damaging to public trust," the statement said.

The coalition further argued that the development raises fundamental questions regarding INEC's operational neutrality and the safeguards protecting the integrity of the nation's elections.

CRPP also faulted the current leadership of the electoral commission, accusing it of failing to reassure political stakeholders about its independence and fairness.

The group stated that allegations of bias, selective enforcement of electoral regulations, and undue political influence have continued to trail the commission, warning that such perceptions could weaken confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

"The Ekiti incident has reinforced growing fears that critical democratic institutions are becoming vulnerable to political influence," the statement added.

Consequently, the coalition declared that it had lost confidence in the current leadership of INEC to guarantee a level playing field for political actors in future elections.

It called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tenebe's alleged participation in the election process and urged civil society groups, election observers, and international stakeholders to closely monitor developments within Nigeria's electoral environment.

The coalition insisted that preserving public confidence in electoral institutions remains essential for the survival of Nigeria's democracy and warned that any action capable of eroding that trust should be treated as a matter of national concern.

INEC had yet to officially respond to the allegations as of press time.

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