Despite the purported ouster of the embattled Chairman of
the All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning
Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, by his Niger State
counterpart, Abubakar Bello, Buni may still be in control after all.
This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission
rejected a letter inviting it to an emergency meeting of the National Executive
Committee of the governing party where Bello’s chairmanship, among other
things, is to be ratified.
INEC’s position is contained in a letter dated March 9,
2022, signed by the Secretary to INEC, Rose Anthony, titled, ‘Re: Invitation to
the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee.’
The letter is addressed to the National Chairman, APC CECPC.
The commission drew informed the CECPC that the letter of
invitation was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of
the CECPC, Buni and Dr John Akpanudoedehe, respectively.
It said this was contrary to the provision of Article 1.1.3
of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations
(2018).
Faulting the letter further, INEC reminded the signatories
to the letter that 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.”
It, therefore, urged the APC to note the issues raised and
ensure immediate compliance.
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.”
With the intrigues of the past few days, INEC’s letter has
dealt a major blow to plans to replace Buni, who, according to a letter leaked
on Thursday dated February 28, 2022, duly transferred power to Governor
Abubakar Bello of Niger State, to allow him to attend to his health.
Speaking on Wednesday night on a Channels Television’s programme, ‘Politics Today,’ Governor Nasir
El-Rufai of Kaduna State, had asserted that Buni was ousted because he was
discovered to be a fifth columnist in the party; working against the success of
the March 26 National Convention.
An assertion which Buni’s leaked letter had refuted.
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