Gov. Bello suffers setback as INEC rejects APC’s notice of NEC meeting

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State who overthrew Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) last Monday may be suffering setbacks as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected a letter of notice for the APC planned NEC meeting next Thursday. This is in addition to the response of APC senators that they are not aware of the removal of Buni on the order of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the notice of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, in a letter dated March 9, 2022, addressed to the APC national chairman, highlighted: “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 offices.

“While hoping these issues are noted for compliance, please accept the assurance of the commissions’ warm regards.”