Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of commissioners, asked them to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meetings.

“I will not be pleased with any commissioner who fails to wear Tinubu’s Asiwaju cap. If you come to the EXCO meeting without it, you may have to return,” Okpebholo said.

The “Asiwaju” cap, recognised by its embroidered broken shackle emblem, has become a defining symbol of Tinubu’s political identity. “Asiwaju,” a Yoruba word meaning “leader,” is one of the president’s traditional titles and is often used to signify loyalty among party members.

The governor, who assumed office in November 2024 after defeating the ruling party in a closely contested election, said the directive was meant to “reinforce a sense of shared purpose” between state and federal officials under the APC government.

Edo APC demands loyalty from commissioners to President Tinubu

Tenebe, in a television interview monitored by our reporter, said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

He said any impediment to Edo APC achieving 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

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

“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

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

Supporters of the policy say it is a harmless gesture of party unity, while critics argue that governance should prioritise competence over symbolic displays of allegiance.

Some opposition figures have described the directive as “unnecessary and politically excessive.”

Footage of Okpebholo’s remarks circulated widely on social media, drawing mixed reactions from Edo residents and political commentators.