The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the All Progressives Congress (APC) notice for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The Acting Chairman of the APC National Caretaker Committee, Abubakar Sani Bello announced that the party’s NEC will be held on March 17 with President Muhammadu Buhari joining virtually.
The INEC in a letter signed by its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, dated March 9 and addressed to the “national chairman”, , said notice for the NEC meeting was not signed by Buni and John Akpanudoedehe, national secretary.
The letter reads in part, “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 offices.
“While hoping these issues are noted for compliance, please accept the assurance of the commissions’ warm regards.”
APC’s National Convention Fate
The All Progressives Congress, APC, National Convention scheduled for March 26 might not hold.
The convention was earlier billed for February 26.
However, In a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, the party had set its zonal congresses for March 26.
The letter was signed by the party’s National Secretary Sen. John Akpanudoedehe and Caretaker Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni.
“This notice supersedes our earlier notice for National Convention referenced APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/22/14 this is predicated on the evaluation of our Party Constitution,” the letter partly read.
As at the time of filing this report, Dates of purchase and submission of forms by aspirants and their screening have not been communicated by the party.
Sani Bello now acting as the caretaker has now called for a NEC meeting which the INEC has now rejected saying it’s not signed by Buni and John Akpanudoedehe, the APC’s national secretary.
Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 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 offices.
The APC is expected to have communicated the INEC of its convention by March 5th at least to make up with the 21 days requirement.