Tobias Sylvester
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday rejected the letter of notice sent by the Ondo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the party’s governorship primary election due to it’s leadership crisis.
The APC notified INEC that it has fixed July 20, 2020 for its primary election in the State and invited the Commission to monitor the primary as required by law.
However, the letter with Ref. No. APC/NHDQ/INEC/19/020/013 dated June 17, 2020 was signed by the Ag. National Secretary of the party, Arc. Waziri Bulama.
INEC Secretary, Mrs Rose Onaran-Anthony, said the notice sent to the Commission was not signed by the appropriate leaders and therefore not acceptable. She noted that the notice should be jointly signed by the national chairman and national secretary of the political party.
Onaran-Anthony advised the ruling party to comply with the extant laws and properly issue a fresh notice that will abide with its guidelines.
The Secretary’s letter addressed to the APC National Chairman, reads:
“please refer to your letter with reference APC/NHDQ/INEC/19/020/013 which was received at the Commission on 18 June 2020.
“The Commission notes that your notice scheduling the conduct of APC Ondo state governorship primary on 20th July 2020 was signed by only the acting national secretary.
“This is contrary to the provision of article 4.4 of the Commissions regulations and guidelines for the conduct of party primaries which require that such notices shall be jointly signed by the national chairman and national secretary of the political parties.
“Accordingly, your party is advised to issue an appropriate notice for the conduct of its Ondo state governorship primary in line with relevant provisions of the regulations for the conduct of party primaries.”
KanyiDaily had reported that the APC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the appeal court ruling that upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the party.
On Tuesday, Giadom had announced that he has taken over the leadership of the party after Oshiomhole’s suspension, dismissing the party’s announcement of the former Oyo governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as acting chairman.
However, the national working committee of the APC overruled him and appointed Hillard Eta, vice chairman of the party (south-south), to stand in place for Ajimobi who was “unavoidably absent”.
