INEC Rejects Bello As APC Caretaker Chairman, Insists On Buni

The quest to oust the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, as the Chairman of the Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seems to have hit a brick wall as the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has rejected a letter inviting it to an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party.

In its reply to the APC, 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.

INEC’s response, which dated March 9, 2022, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran Anthony, was titled, “Re: Invitation to the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee”, and addressed to the National Chairman, APC CECPC.

This, it said, was contrary to the provision of Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).

The electoral umpire 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 merger and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective office.”

INEC, therefore, urged APC to note the key issues raised and comply accordingly.