APC: INEC Rejects Niger Gov’s Letter, Gives Reasons
APC: INEC Rejects Niger Gov’s Letter, Gives Reasons.
Despite the ‘purported’ removal Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (APC CECPC), the crisis rocking the ruling party maybe not be over anytime soon, newspeakonline.com reported.
This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) rejected a letter inviting it to an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee(NEC) of the party where Bello’s chairmanship, among other things, is expected to be ratified.
INEC’s position was contained in a letter dated March 9, 2022, signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Anthony.
In the letter addressed to the National Chairman, APC CECPC, INEC informed the party that the letter of invitation was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC, Buni and Dr John Akpan Udoedehe.
It said this was contrary to the provision of Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).
Faulting the letter further, INEC reminded the signatories to the letter that of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, “which requires ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of merger and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective office.
It urged the APC to note the issues raised and ensure immediate compliance.
“Please refer to your letter Ref.APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/022/32, dated 8th March 2022.
“The Commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).
“Furthermore, the APC is reminded of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’ and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective office.
“While hoping these issues are noted for compliance, please, accept the assurance of the Commission’s warm regards,” INEC said.
The commission’s letter may have dealt a major blow APC’s plan to replace Buni, who, according to a letter leaked on Thursday, duly transferred power to Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, in a letter dated February, 28,2022.
