The All Progressives Congress (APC) has held a successful constitution amendment public hearing for the South-South zone in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen its internal democracy and enhance inclusivity.
The event, convened under the auspices of the APC Constitution Review Committee, chaired by the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, drew participants from across the south-south states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.
In his address, the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South zone, Victor Giadom, underscored the importance of the APC constitution as the foundation of unity, stability and growth within the party.
“This amendment process is not just a legal procedure but a democratic exercise that invites the voices of all members. It should reflect our collective will, uphold inclusivity and ensure that our constitution mirrors the diversity of our great country.”
The representative of the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, commended the initiative, noting that the APC’s decision to review its constitution demonstrates commitment to adapting to present realities.
Ayambem said, “The constitution is the only safeguard of our liberties. This hearing proves that the APC remains open to all and is determined to build a stronger, sustainable structure for the next fifty years.”
During the session, various stakeholders, such as the former National Vice Chairman, South-South, Hilliard Etta, presented memoranda to the committee for harmonisation at the national level.
National Caucus Expansion
However, a significant group within the party, the Forum of APC State Chairmen, represented by their Bayelsa State counterpart, Dennis Otiotio, proposed the inclusion of state chairmen in the national caucus to enable states without APC governors effective participation.
In the same vein, a member of the persons with disabilities community, Dr Juliana Diwa, submitted a mandatory 5 per cent inclusion quota in all party structures and elective offices to enhance equity and participation.
The Cross River Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Odey, commended the deliberations and assured the state government’s support for the review process initiated under the directive of the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
During a chat with reporters, the Cross River APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, expressed delight over the successful hosting of the hearing, describing it as “a day of fulfilment” for the state.
Eba praised President Tinubu’s directive to make the party more inclusive, noting that the amendment would “create room for women, youth and experienced leaders, who have served the party faithfully.”
The APC state chairman also made a passionate appeal for greater federal appointments for the people of Cross River, lamenting the state’s under-representation in federal positions despite its strong contributions to the party.
“With what we have done here, the APC has proven that it is a listening party ready to adapt to the demands of time. We only ask that Mr President remembers Cross River State in the spirit of fairness and reward,” he appealed.
The public hearing in Calabar, Cross River State, is the first of the zonal sessions for the committee, which is expected to gather inputs nationwide toward the development of an updated and more inclusive party constitution.