Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, said the APC Constitution amendment would guarantee the party’s free and transparent primary election, as well as inclusion of women, youth and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in the party’s affairs.
Radda stated this at the public hearing on the amendment of the party’s constitution for the North-West zone of the party.
He said that APC was founded on the vision of progressive governance, internal democracy, accountability and service to the Nigerians.
According to Radda, the amendment was about principles, sustainability and unity of the party and the nation.
“We must ensure that amending constitution will strengthen internal democracy by guaranteeing free and transparent primary election that will reflect the will of the grassroots.
“Uphold accountability and transparency in the party finances, decision making and leadership.
“Enhancing inclusivity by ensuring equitable representation of women and youth and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) at all party structure,” he said.
The Governor said that members must respect the party, adding, “because they were what they are today because of the APC.”
Radda commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership, and urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration for the betterment of the nation.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobee, said that it was necessary to amend the constitution in order to reflect the current realities.
Represented by the APC Chairman of Cross River, Mr Alphonsus Eba, he said that the current constitution didn’t made any provisions for the Governors and members of the National Assembly to be part of the National Executive Council (NEC) after their tenure, hence the need to amend to recognise their contributions.
He said that all the memoranda submitted would be compiled to produce single document which would be presented during the national convention in the interest of all members.
Also speaking on behalf of the committee members, Ms Miriam Onuoha, said that they were in the state to collate views, opinions of members in North-west, on how they think APC could become the largest party in Africa.
She said that the key areas they received memoranda were bordering on women, youth and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and their inclusion into the party.
According to her, the constitution would continue to uphold party internal democracy at all levels.
Onuoha revealed that the constitution had provided 11 positions in Ward Executives were allocated to women.
The Secretary of the committee, who is also the National Legal Adviser, APC, Mr Murtala Aliyu-Kankia, commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and for setting up the committee to carry out the exercise.
He extolled Tinubu’s vision, saying it had demonstrated his unwavering commitment to strengthening internal democracy in APC to ensure that it continue to be the largest party in Africa.
