Edo APC Chair Threatens Suspension For Commissioners Defying ‘Tinubu Cap’ Directive

The Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has announced that any commissioner barred from State Executive Council meetings for refusing to wear the mandatory ‘Asiwaju cap’ will face immediate suspension from the party.

The directive stems from an order issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo, requiring all commissioners to don the cap—branded in support of President Bola Tinubu—during Executive Council sessions as a symbol of loyalty.

In a recent television interview, Tenebe labeled noncompliance as “an act of indiscipline and insubordination,” emphasizing zero tolerance for disloyalty within the party ranks.

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

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

The governor’s mandate was first issued on October 14 during the swearing-in of newly cleared commissioners and the inauguration of various boards and commissions. Okpebholo highlighted President Tinubu’s pivotal role in his electoral victory and warned that failure to comply would result in exclusion from future council meetings.

The ‘Asiwaju cap’ initiative underscores the APC’s efforts in Edo State to rally support for President Tinubu ahead of future political commitments, with party leaders framing it as a non-negotiable display of allegiance.