The crisis rocking the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may deprive it of fielding a gubernatorial flag bearer in the forthcoming election in Ondo State as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the notice of primary sent to it by the party.
The electoral body noted that its decision was based on the fact that the notice was signed by the party’s acting national secretary alone.
This, the body said, was contrary to the commission’s guidelines, which require that such notice be jointly signed by the national chairman and national secretary of the political party.
As it stands today, there are two factional national chairmen in the party which brings the question of who signs the notice.
The commission conveyed its position to the APC in a letter dated 22, June 2020, and signed by its Secretary, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The letter marked INEC/DEPIM/APC/522/T.3 with the title “Re: Notice of conduct of primaries” was addressed to the party’s national chairman.
In rejecting the notice, INEC asked the APC to issue a fresh notice that will comply with its guidelines.
The letter reads, “Please refer to your letter with reference APC/NHDQ/INEC/19/020/013 which was received by the Commission on June 18, 2020.
“The commission notes that your notice scheduling the conduct of APC Ondo State governorship primary on July 20, 2020, was signed by only the acting national secretary.
“This is contrary to the provision of Article 4.4 of the commission’s regulations and guidelines for the conduct of party primaries which requires that such notices shall be jointly signed by the national chairman and national secretary of the political party.
“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 and guidelines for the conduct of party primaries.
