Edo APC Chair Blames AI for Viral Election Observer Photo
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has publicly refuted a viral online photograph depicting him in an Independent National Electoral Commission observer jacket during the Ekiti gubernatorial election, asserting the image was fabricated using artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe claims a viral image of him wearing an INEC election observer jacket is an AI-generated fabrication.
- Tenebe clarified his presence in Ekiti State was to support fellow party leaders as part of an official APC state chairmen forum.
- The politician firmly denied ever receiving or holding official election monitoring accreditation from INEC.
Tenebe clarified the situation during a televised interview on AIT on Tuesday, stating that his travel to Ekiti State had been completely distorted by online platforms.
He explained that his visit was tied to his membership in a national forum of APC state chairmen, who previously resolved to offer mutual solidarity to colleagues navigating off-cycle elections, rather than acting as a formal monitoring agent.
According to Tenebe, the national coalition of APC state chairmen mandates that members travel to provide political backing to local leadership during stand-alone gubernatorial polls. He emphasized that this specific agreement prompted his journey to Ekiti, rather than any official role to supervise the electoral process.
He further attributed the circulating media to opposition elements, alleging they frequently utilize digital manipulation tactics. Tenebe maintained that the visual evidence was entirely a product of advanced technology rather than a reflection of reality.
The political leader concluded by reiterating that he has never sought nor received formal election monitoring credentials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, emphasizing that such official authorization did not exist.
Future Outlook
As political campaigns increasingly intersect with digital technology, the proliferation of alleged artificial intelligence alterations is expected to draw stricter scrutiny from electoral bodies. The incident underscores a rising trend where political figures attribute controversial digital media to manipulation, signaling a complex future for verification standards and information integrity in upcoming Nigerian electoral cycles.
FAQs
Why did the Edo APC Chairman travel to Ekiti State?
Jarret Tenebe traveled to Ekiti State as part of a mutual support initiative organized by the national forum of APC state chairmen to assist colleagues during off-cycle elections.
Did Jarret Tenebe serve as an official election observer?
No, Tenebe explicitly stated that he was never accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission to monitor the election in any official capacity.
What was Jarret Tenebe’s explanation for the viral photograph?
Tenebe asserted that the viral image showing him in an official INEC observer jacket was a digital fabrication created by opposition elements using artificial intelligence.
