The All Progressives Congress (APC) has chided the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the leak of details about its planned congresses and primaries for the 2019 elections.
The party, in a statement by Yekini Nabena, Ag. National Publicity Secretary, called on Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, to look into the internal handling of official correspondence in the Commission and put a stop to the leaks.
“Our attention has been drawn to a leaked letter the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wrote to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu informing the Commission of the schedule of the Congresses and Primaries to elect Party candidates for the 2019 General Elections,” the statement read.
“These leaks of our sensitive and confidential correspondence to INEC is becoming commonplace and totally unacceptable.
“We strongly request that INEC looks into its internal handling of official correspondence and put a stop to these leaks.
“While the leaked formal notification to INEC has been done by the APC pursuant to the provisions of Section 85 of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended), we advise the general public particularly the media to wait for an official announcement from the Party as the leaked dates are subject to changes, if necessary.”
Oshiomhole had in the letter addressed to the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, said the party is proposing to hold nationwide congresses to elect delegates to the national convention on Saturday, September 8.
The party also proposed to hold its governorship primary election on September 24.
“This serves as a formal notification pursuant to the provisions of section 85 of the electoral act 2010 as amended. Kindly arrange your officials to monitor the exercise accordingly. While hoping to receive your cooperation, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem,” Oshiomhole noted in the letter which was leaked.
The proposed dates for the primaries as stated in the letter are as follows:
September 8: Nationwide congresses to elect delegates to the national convention.
September 19: National convention to elect the party’s presidential candidate.
September 19: House of Representatives candidates.
September 20: Senatorial candidates.
September 24: Governorship candidates.
September 29: House of Assembly candidates.