Even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to reveal the names of those who applied for the registration of a party with same acronym with the All Progressive Congress (APC), Pointblanknews.com has stumbled on the letter that has turned the coalition’s reveling into a nightmare.
The new group, according to INEC records, is called African Peoples’ Congress (APC).
There are however indications on Tuesday that the coalition may opt for All Democratic Congress (ADC) or All Peoples’ Congress of Nigeria (APCN). But there is a snag: to get approval the coalition must hold a convention during which they will officially adopt the new name. This convention may not come earlier than May making the hurdle higher.
INEC spokesman, Kayode Idowu who confirmed on Monday that another group had beat the coalition to it, refused to give any name of sponsors or solicitors behind the news application. He had simply told reporters “ what the law requires is that if a group applies and the law has already provided for things to be met, like a checklist, it is not a matter of INEC cherry picking or preferences…once a group meets that checklist it is registered with that name”
The coalition had been crying foul, pointing fingers at the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for being behind the stunt.
The letter addressed to the INEC chairman, dated February 28, 2013, was signed by Barrister Nwokorie Samuel Chinedu. The solicitors’ chamber is named Legal World Chamber based at Ambeez Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
The letter states “ We as solicitors to the promoters of the African Peoples’ Congress (APC), hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose instructions and authority we write you this letter .”
“Our clients, in pursuance of their political ambition, intend to register a political party in Nigeria with the name African Peoples’ Congress “
The letter continues “ Premised on the above, we therefore humbly wish to apply to your office for approval to register African Peoples’ Congress having carried out a search on the proposed name to the effect that no other political party registered in Nigeria bears the name”
“ we will therefore be grateful if our request is granted as we pledge to comply with all the requirements of your esteemed commission”
The coalition which is in a quandary has three options, it was gathered: change name, adopt any of the existing party’s nomenclature or insist on APC’s registration citing bad faith on the part of the new APC.
Below is the copy of the letter
