The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the leadership of Governor Abubakar Bellow of Niger State as the interim chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC). Bello had wrote a letter to the electoral body to attended a schedule emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling party where Bello's chairmanship, among other things, is to be ratified.
However, INEC in its position contained in a letter dated March 9, 2022, signed by the Secretary to INEC, Rose Anthony, titled, 'Re: Invitation to the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee' rejected the invitation by Bello. The commission based its rejection of the invitation on the fact that the letter of invitation was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC, Buni and John Akpanudoedehe, respectively. 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, therefore, 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 noted in its response to the APC letter. With the intrigues of the past few days, INEC's letter has dealt a major blow to plans to replace Mai Mala Buni, who, according to a letter leaked on Thursday dated February 28, 2022, duly transferred power to Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, to allow him to attend to his health.
FromGlobal Financial Digest
