The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, commenced the first public hearing on the amendment of its constitution in Calabar, Cross River State, signalling the start of what the party leaders described as a landmark process aimed at strengthening internal democracy, inclusivity, and effective party administration.

The event, which drew stakeholders from across the South-South geopolitical zone, was hosted by the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Otu and moderated by members of the APC Constitutional Review Committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

Declaring the session open, Chief Victor Giadom, APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), described the party’s constitution as the “cornerstone of internal democracy and embodiment of collective values and aspirations.”

He noted that the amendment process was directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “fill existing lacunae, expand state organs of the party, and ensure a more inclusive and functional framework.”

“Our constitution is not just a legal document; it is a living testament to our commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law,” Giadom said. “This public hearing provides an opportunity to reposition our party from the wards to the national level and ensure it remains a catalyst for progress.”

He commended Governor Otu for his “monumental support” in hosting the first zonal public hearing and for his role in expanding the party’s influence across the region.

In his address, Hon. Alphonsus Eba, Chairman of APC Cross River State, linked the amendment initiative to a directive personally issued by President Tinubu on 25 February 2025. Drawing a biblical analogy from Genesis 1:26, Eba said the President’s call was to “let us amend our constitution and make it more inclusive.”

“The President instructed that we must give space to former governors, recognize the contribution of women who make up more than 50 per cent of our winning strength, and broaden participation in our National Executive Committee,” he explained.

Eba outlined the composition of the constitutional review team led by Governor Buni, with governors, party leaders, and legislators representing each of the six geopolitical zones. He expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for ensuring the South-South hosted the inaugural session.

During the session, state party chairmen, secretaries, and legal advisers presented memoranda proposing far-reaching amendments to address representation, dispute resolution, and structural imbalances within the party.

The Forum of APC State Chairmen called for the inclusion of state chairmen as members of the party’s National Caucus, arguing that states without governors are currently unrepresented in key decision-making organs.

They further proposed that former governors be recognized as members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). They also recommended that the constitution should clearly establish an internal dispute resolution mechanism, requiring members to exhaust party procedures before resorting to litigation.

In addition, they proposed that the National Working Committee (NWC) be expanded to include at least 37 members, ensuring every state has representation.

The Bayelsa State APC delegation, led by its Legal Adviser, echoed similar sentiments and added a proposal that only persons who have been members of the party for at least six months be eligible for election or appointment into any executive office.

“We cannot continue to reward disloyalty by appointing people who joined the party barely weeks ago to leadership positions,” the Bayelsa representative said.

They also recommended clear constitutional guidance on who qualifies as “leader of the party” at various levels to prevent recurring power tussles.

In one of the most passionate presentations, Dr. Juliana Diwa, representing persons with disabilities, advocated for a mandatory 5 per cent inclusion quota for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all party structures and elective positions.

“This is not a symbolic demand,” Dr. Diwa stressed. “It is about structural guarantees of inclusion and equal participation in decision-making.”

Representing Governor Bassey Otu, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, lauded the APC leadership for initiating a process that allows members at all levels to contribute to the party’s constitutional evolution.

“The constitution is the only safeguard of our liberties,” Ayambem said. “This public hearing demonstrates that the APC remains a party open to all, irrespective of background, and committed to building a stronger and more sustainable structure for the next fifty years.”

He praised Governor Otu’s leadership and political mobilization, describing him as a “pillar of support for the APC’s growth in the South-South region.”

Some memoranda from Delta and other states were deemed “abandoned” due to the absence of their authors or representatives to formally adopt them, in line with committee procedure.

The session concluded with the adoption of several memos for harmonization at the national level. The Constitutional Review Committee announced that subsequent zonal hearings will hold in other geopolitical zones before the final harmonization meeting at the APC national secretariat in Abuja. (Nigerian Tribune)