Martin Kpebu explains why Afi Agbenyo should resign over EC appointment

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called on Emelia Afi Agbenyo to resign from the Electoral Commission (EC), arguing that her appointment could further fuel concerns about political influence within the election management body.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Joy News, Mr Kpebu said he supported calls for Ms Agbenyo to step down, describing her appointment as inconsistent with the need for a politically neutral and independent Electoral Commission.

Asked whether he backed the call for her resignation, he responded: “Yes. Yes. Yes, I do.”

He explained that allowing individuals perceived to have strong partisan affiliations to serve on the EC could undermine confidence in the institution.

“I don’t see how you can run an EC with very partisan people,” he stated.

Mr Kpebu also rejected the argument that political representation on the Commission should be balanced by appointing individuals associated with different political interests.

He argued that the government could instead have selected professionals with established records and no strong partisan affiliations.

“At least we all know that balancing it could have also been by appointing very independent people, independent people who have achieved much in life,” he said.

According to him, selecting individuals with strong professional backgrounds and demonstrated independence would help strengthen public confidence in the EC and reduce perceptions of political interference.

His comments come amid ongoing debate over Ms Agbenyo’s appointment to the Electoral Commission and concerns about the political backgrounds of individuals appointed to positions requiring institutional independence.