Fresh troubles for APC as INEC objects to March 17 NEC meeting

Fresh troubles loom in the All Progressives Congress after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raised objections over the March 17 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party.

INEC in a letter dated March 9, which was signed by Secretary to the Commission, Rose Onaran-Anthony and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, said the party failed to comply with the commission’s guidelines.

The APC had in a letter signed by nine members of the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, invited NEC members to an emergency meeting on Thursday, March 17.

Responding however, INEC raised two flaws in the invitation.

According to the electoral body, the invitation wasn’t signed by the chairman and secretary of the CECPC which was against INEC’s guidelines.

The commission also pointed out that the invitation failed to fulfil the requirements in the electoral act, requiring a 21-day notice for such meeting.

“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,” INEC said.

Western Post noted that while Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello who was appointed acting CECPC chairman signed the invitation as North Central representative, while the National Secretary James Akpanudoedehe failed to sign.

Despite reports that Akpanudoedehe had been removed as the party’s secretary, the Akwa Ibom-born former senator while addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat on Tuesday, insisted he was still in office.