Political Tension in Edo: APC to Suspend Commissioners for Supporting Tinubu — ‘No Asiwaju Cap, No Exco’

The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has issued a stern warning that any commissioner who flouts Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to wear the ‘Asiwaju cap’ to State Executive Council meetings will face suspension from the party.

Naija News recalls that Governor Okpebholo had, on October 14, while swearing in newly cleared commissioners and inaugurating boards and commissions, directed all cabinet members to demonstrate loyalty to President Bola Tinubu by appearing in branded party outfits, including the symbolic ‘Asiwaju cap’.

Addressing reporters on the matter, Tenebe described disobedience to the governor’s order as a serious act of defiance against party authority and discipline.

“If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination,” he said firmly.

The APC chairman maintained that the governor’s instruction was not optional but a clear demonstration of loyalty to both the party and its leader, President Tinubu.
Edo APC’s 3.5 Million Votes Pledge

Tenebe linked the cap directive to a broader political strategy by the state chapter of the APC to guarantee massive electoral support for President Tinubu.

“We are doing this because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. Everybody has keyed into achieving that target,” he declared.

According to him, party loyalty cannot be compromised, particularly for those who benefited from appointments through the APC.

The APC chairman dismissed criticism from those opposed to the directive, insisting they do not represent the interests of the party in Edo State.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President. We are expressing our loyalty to him by wearing the cap,” Tenebe said.

He added, “Those complaining are not members of the APC. We in Edo have made it clear, no Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

Governor Okpebholo’s insistence on visible displays of loyalty comes at a time when the ruling party in Edo is consolidating its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Governor’s directive has drawn mixed reactions within political circles, with some interpreting it as an attempt to enforce party unity, while others view it as excessive symbolism.

For Tenebe and the APC leadership in Edo, however, the measure represents both discipline and commitment to the national leadership of the party.