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APC begins public hearing on its constitution amendment in Calabar 

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APC

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has started its public hearing on the amendment of the  party’s constitution in Calabar, the Cross River State capital aimed at strengthening internal democracy and inclusivity in the party 

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 event open, the APC National Vice Chairman South-South, victor Giadom described the party’s constitution as the “cornerstone of internal democracy and embodiment of collective values and aspirations.”

He maintained that the amendment  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.”

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“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 support in hosting the first zonal public hearing and for his role in expanding the party’s influence across the region.

In his address, 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, recognise 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.

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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 recognised 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.

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

Representing Governor Bassey Otu, 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 mobilisation, describing him as a “pillar of support for the APC’s growth in the South-South region.”

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