The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a letter signed by Governor Sani Bello inviting it to an emergency meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The commission in a letter dated March 9, signed by its secretary Rose Anthony and addressed to the national chairman, APC caretaker and extra-ordinary convention planning committee (CECPC) said the letter of invitation was not signed by Governor Mai Mala Buni, whom it knows as national chairman APC CECPC and its secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.
“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,” the letter said.
“This is contrary to the provision of 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.”
Buni, who is currently out of the country, has been replaced by Bello, with the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari, according to Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
