APC says Buni-led committee has full legal backing

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni has the full legal backing of the party.

It said that the committee is not against the letters of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Recall Mynigeria reported the several calls for the dissolution of the caretaker committee after the Supreme Court judgement on the election of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

However, it was gathered that the party on Wednesday night, August 4, obtained a certified true copy of the judgment of the apex court, Daily Trust reported.

After reviewing the judgement, the party, through a member of the Buni-led committee, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, said the committee is “on firm ground to proceed with its mandate”, Blueprint also stated.

According to the APC, the Supreme Court held that: “That there is no provision in the Electoral Act prescribing any form for forwarding or submission of the sponsored candidate of a political party in an election.

"Sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution which make provisions for qualifications and disqualification of candidates for governorship election are exhaustive and leave no room for any addition.

“That no other law/act can be relied upon to disqualify a candidate in an election save for the provisions of Section 182 of the 1999 Constitution. "That non-compliance with INEC directives (regulations, guidelines or manuals) for the purpose of election but which is not contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act shall not of itself be a ground in an election petition.

“Paragraph 17(a) of the First Supplementary to Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections cannot be relied upon as ground to question the return of a candidate in an election.

“That Mai Mala Buni’s position as Acting Chairman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee is not contrary to the provision of Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution as same is on a temporary basis which is not akin to executive office or paid employment as envisaged by Section 183 of the constitution.”