APC Rejects Electoral Commissioner Approval …Citing Constitutional and Tripartite Breaches
By Kelvin Jay
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has formally rejected the appointment of Alex Pat Labib Saffa as Electoral Commissioner for the Eastern Region, citing serious violations of both the 1991 Constitution and the Tripartite Agreement for National Unity.
Presenting the party’s position paper in Parliament on Thursday, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Minority Leader in Parliament, expressed the APC’s strong disapproval of the appointment process. He disclosed that he had received official communication from the APC Secretariat, confirming that the party was not consulted prior to Mr. Saffa’s nomination—a constitutional requirement under Section 32 of the 1991 Constitution, which mandates consultation with all registered political parties for appointments to the Electoral Commission.
Hon. Kargbo also argued that the failure to consult violated key provisions of the Tripartite Agreement for National Unity, which was signed to promote inclusive governance and institutional transparency.
He further stressed that Mr. Saffa is a serving public officer, having admitted during the vetting process that he was officially recruited, possesses an appointment letter, and receives a salary from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Under Section 32(4)(b) of the Constitution, this status disqualifies him from serving as an Electoral Commissioner.
In protest, Hon. Kargbo staged a walkout from the parliamentary interview session, signaling the APC’s complete rejection of both the process and the nominee..
Amid the mounting debate, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Thomas, acknowledged the long-standing dispute over the interpretation of consultation requirements in Presidential appointments. He noted that these disagreements have become increasingly contentious between the ruling party and the opposition.
The Speaker announced that he will issue a formal ruling on the matter, which the House will abide by until such time that the 1991 Constitution is reviewed.
“We cannot continue in this state of confusion. I will provide a ruling that offers clarity and consistency moving forward—one that Parliament will follow until constitutional reforms are completed,” Speaker Thomas declared.
The controversy has reignited public discourse on constitutional compliance, with civil society, legal experts, and political observers now watching closely to see whether Parliament will uphold the constitutional objections or proceed with approving the appointment.
