… DECLINES TO ATTEND APC CONVENTION
…REMINDS PARTY OF 21 DAYS NOTICE BEFORE NATIONAL CONVENTION
The Independent National Electoral Commission has distanced itself from the nomination of the Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello as the new Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress.
The Commission’s Secretary, Rose Onaran-Anthony, stated this in the Commission’s reply to Abubakar Sani Bello’s letter introducing himself as the New Chairman of the CECPC.
Even though Bello’s letter was signed by him as National Chairman, and Mamman Tahir as National Secretary, the commission pointed out that the letter was not signed by the party’s National Chairman and Secretary.
INEC observed that the letter of the APC CECPC of March 8, signed by BELLO and Prof Mamman Tair contradicted the provision of Article 1.1.3 of the commission’s Regulations and guidelines for political party operations (2018).
The APC CECPC letter was also meant to notify the electoral body of the party’s CECPC meeting scheduled for March 17, 2022.
The letter also reminded the APC of Section 82(1) which makes it mandatory for “at least 21 days notice for 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.”
What is implied in the letter is that the APC CECPC might not have written INEC to give the mandatory 21 days notification as required by the Electoral Act.
A source told the Network that the implication of the letter is INEC’s contention that it was not part of the process that resulted in the emergence of Bello as National Chairman of the APC
The source added that INEC is of the view that Bello’s emergence conflicts with the laws and guidelines for the emergence of the National chairman of a registered political party.
BELLO had taken over as National Chairman of the CECPC on Monday.
The letter signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Onaran-Anthony reads:“Re:Invitation to the Emergency Meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) Please refer to your letter Ref. APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/022/32 dated March 8, 2022.
“The commission draws you attention to the fact that the motive for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC 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 which requires “at least 21 days notice for 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 Commission’s warm regards.”