The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has failed to acknowledge the new leadership of the APC-CECPC, led by Governor Sani Bello of Niger State.
Gov Bello had written a letter to the INEC informing the Commission of the APC’s coming national convention.
However, INEC replied to his letter stating that it was not signed by the chairman of the APC-CECPC, a post formerly held by Yobe State Governor, Mai Bala Buni.
Gov Bello currently holds the chairmanship position in acting capacity.
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.”