SUN NOV 15 2026-theGBJournal| Following the social media backlash and controversy that trailed the appearance of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, at Chatham House in London, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom, Hon. Tunde Doherty, has issued a statement distancing himself from the electoral commission and dismissing claims linking him to the INEC Chairman’s official delegation.
In a statement titled Rebuttal: Setting the Record Straight on Malicious Misinformation Surrounding the Chatham House Event, Doherty said his photograph, taken outside the London-based policy institute, had been circulated alongside what he described as false narratives, deliberate misidentification and political propaganda.
He stressed that he attended the venue in his capacity as APC UK Chairman and had no official or personal affiliation with INEC or its leadership.
“Let me state unequivocally and for the avoidance of any doubt: I am Hon. Tunde Doherty, the duly elected Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom. I am not, nor have I ever been, an official, staff member, or delegate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he stated.
Doherty specifically faulted attempts to identify him as Prof. Amupitan or portray him as a member of the INEC Chairman’s official entourage, describing such claims as misleading and politically motivated.
“The attempt by certain opposition elements and purveyors of fake news to pass off my image as that of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, or as a member of his official entourage, is not only intellectually dishonest but a calculated insult to the intelligence of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.”
Providing further clarification, the APC UK Chairman explained that Chatham House is an internationally recognised public policy institute that hosts open discussions on issues of national and global importance. He maintained that his attendance at such an event was consistent with his political leadership responsibilities and civic rights.
On his appearance at the venue, Doherty also addressed questions surrounding his APC-branded cap, explaining that it openly reflected his political identity and leadership position within the ruling party.
“Wearing a cap bearing the insignia of the All Progressives Congress is a proud reflection of my political identity and leadership role within the party. Unlike those seeking to deceive the public, I have never hidden my partisan affiliation.”
He further maintained that he neither arrived with the INEC Chairman nor participated in the event in any official capacity on behalf of the electoral commission.
“At no point did I arrive with, speak for, or act in any capacity on behalf of the INEC Chairman or his commission.”
Beyond the controversy surrounding his photograph, Doherty condemned the reported attack on Prof. Amupitan, expressing concern over the incident and calling for restraint and respect for democratic values.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan. It is therefore regrettable that he was subjected to such an attack by individuals allegedly sponsored and identified by their Obidient caps. Such acts of intimidation and violence have no place in a democratic society and must be unequivocally condemned by all well-meaning citizens.”
He also rejected suggestions that his presence at the London venue had any implications for the independence or credibility of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“Any suggestion that my mere presence in the vicinity of a public London venue compromises the independence of Nigeria’s electoral umpire is absurd, baseless, and born out of sheer political desperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Doherty regretted what he described as the resort to sensationalism and visual manipulation instead of constructive engagement on governance and public policy, warning that such narratives could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than engaging in constructive debates on policies and governance, certain bad-faith actors have resorted to cheap sensationalism and visual manipulation to sow distrust in our democratic institutions.”
He urged Nigerians, media organisations and members of the public to disregard what he described as fabricated narratives, reaffirming his commitment to the party’s activities and diaspora mobilisation efforts.
“I urge the public, media organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these fabricated narratives entirely.”
He added that the APC UK leadership remained committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepening democratic engagement among Nigerians in the diaspora.
“We remain focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthening democratic engagement across the diaspora, undeterred by the antics of political detractors.”
The statement was signed by Hon. Tunde Doherty, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom and APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, and Deputy Director 1, APC-PCC Diaspora Mobilisation Directorate.
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