Follow Us on Google
By Chinelo Obogo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a letter inviting it to an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter titled, “Re: Invitation to the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee”, and addressed to the National Chairman, APC CECPC, dated March 9, 2022 and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran Anthony, the Commission drew the attention of the CECPC to the fact that the letter of invitation was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC, Buni and Senator John Akpanudoedehe, respectively.
This, it said, was contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).
INEC also reminded those who wrote and signed the letter 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 ruling party to note the key issues raised for compliance.
INEC’s letter read, “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.”
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, had said on a TV program
on Wednesday night that Buni was removed because he was working against holding the APC’s planned National Convention.
However, Daily Sun reports that Governor Buni duly transferred powers to Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, through a letter, dated February 28, 2022, and addressed to CECPC members to enable him to attend briefly to health issues.
