The crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took a new twist following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello as acting chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).
Nigeria News House (NNH) gathered that the electoral body made this disclosure in a letter sent to the Niger State governor on Thursday.
A source familiar with the matter disclosed that Sani-Bello had on Wednesday written to INEC in his capacity as the acting national chairman of the CECPC inviting the commission to their National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 17 via zoom. The letter also introduced Professor Tahir Mamman as the acting Secretary of the party.
But, in a swift reaction, the Commission was said to have replied the letter on Wednesday, 9th March 2022, saying it was not aware of any change of guard in the APC, and would not honour it, since it was not signed by the known CECPC Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni and Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe.
INEC’s reply reads in part: “The Commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman (Buni) and National Secretary (Akpanudoedehe) 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 executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective offices.”
Governor Bello’s letter, according to a source at INEC, remains strange as there was no time the Commission was invited to observe or monitor any meeting where the changes took place, hence, the letter was not honoured.
“Section 82(2-3) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) makes it mandatory for all registered political parties in Nigeria to involve INEC in any meeting, congress or convention where elections or decisions to nominate executives or governing bodies of the party shall be taken.
“The same section also provided that, in a case of replacement of any vacant position in the party, INEC must be fully involved too,” the source added.
The source further maintained that the Commission was not invited to any meeting or Congress where Mai Buni was removed as Chairman, and as such, could not deal with what was not legally constituted.
“The APC will be heading for an illegal NEC meeting by next week by the provision of the law. It is the duty of the Commission to properly guide the party, just as it will do to any of the opposition parties.”
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni was reportedly removed as caretaker chairman of the ruling party during a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and some APC governors. He was accused of plots to scuttle the March 26 National Convention so as to remain in office as chairman. His counterpart, Governor Sani-Bello of Niger State was mandated to act as chairman and ensure that the convention holds.
