OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) UNITED KINGDOM
REBUTTAL: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON MALICIOUS MISINFORMATION SURROUNDING THE CHATHAM HOUSE EVENT
My attention has been drawn to a coordinated wave of malicious falsehoods, deliberate misidentifications, and desperate propaganda circulating across social media platforms regarding a photograph of me taken outside Chatham House in London.
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).
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.
To clarify the facts for the general public:
1. My Presence at Chatham House: Chatham House is a globally respected, public policy institute that hosts open dialogues on critical international and national issues. As the leader of Nigeria’s ruling party in the United Kingdom, I have every civic and democratic right to attend public discourse concerning the future of our great nation.
2. My Attire: 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.
3. No Official Affiliation with INEC: At no point did I arrive with, speak for, or act in any capacity on behalf of the INEC Chairman or his commission.
4. 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.
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.
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.
I urge the public, media organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these fabricated narratives entirely.
We remain focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthening democratic engagement across the diaspora, undeterred by the antics of political detractors.
Signed,
Hon. Tunde Doherty
Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom & APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen
Deputy Director 1 APC-PCC Diaspora Mobilisation Directorate.
0 Comments