APC crisis: INEC affirms Buni as Caretaker Chairman, rejects Bello

March 11, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has affirmed Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as the caretaker chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This came as INEC rejected a letter written to it by the acting caretaker chairman of the APC, Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger State, informing it of APC’s intention to hold a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

In its response, INEC noted that the notice of meeting sent to it by Governor Bello was not signed by Governor Buni, the caretaker chairman recognised by the commission.

The letter signed by its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, reads: “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.”

The latest development adds up to the confusion about the leadership of the party, after President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly ordered his sack before leaving for the UK for medical treatment.

Buhari’s order was confirmed on Wednesday by the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who said he alongside some governors informed the President of Buni’s schemes not to hold the national convention. Hence, the president’s decision for his sack.

Meanwhile, a leaked memo written by Governor Buni as the Chairman of the APC-CECPC, showed that he officially transmitted a letter to Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello, before embarking on medical trip.

In the letter dated February 28, 2022, Buni said he will return to his acting role in charge of APC once he returns from his medical leave.

In Buni’s leaked letter addressed to Bello and copied to all members of the National Executive Committee, he wrote, “This is to inform you that I will be embarking on a medical trip to the United Arab Emirates from today, February 28, 2022. I will resume office upon my discharge from the hospital.

“In my absence, I hereby transmit the functions of my office as the National Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee to you.

“This is to enable the committee to conclude all arrangements leading to the national convention slated for March 26, 2022, and other duties that may be required of the office.

“I invite all members to cooperate with Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello by extending to him all the support that I have enjoyed from you.”