The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the first public hearing for the amendment of its constitution, with focus on promoting inclusivity, strengthening internal democracy, and reflecting the diversity of Nigeria’s population.
Speaking at the event in Calabar, Cross River State, APC National Vice-Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, declared that the amendment process aims to expand representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, while also adapting the party’s structure to meet emerging political and national realities.
“Our constitution is not just a framework; it is a living testament to our commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law,” Giadom said, adding that the process follows directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a holistic and inclusive review.
Giadom described APC constitution as the “cornerstone of internal democracy” and emphasized the need for all stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to reshape a document that will serve the party for decades.
Declaring the hearing open, Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, represented by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, affirmed the APC’s open-door policy.
He urged party members to seize the opportunity to chart a sustainable path for the party’s future.
According to him, “APC is a party that has no front or back. It is for the rich and the poor alike,” Ayambem said.
“This exercise presents an opportunity to lay down a blueprint that can span 50 years and beyond.”
Also speaking, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, South-South representative on the APC Constitution Amendment Committee and Chairman of the party in Cross River State, detailed proposed revisions to include; expansion of the National Executive Committee to include former governors; increased representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“Amendments to key constitutional articles (12, 18, 19, and 20) to address under-representation“.
Eba revealed that, over 100 memoranda had been submitted by various stakeholders, including state chapters, zonal bodies, and individual party leaders, demonstrating widespread interest in reshaping the party’s foundational document.
He noted, submissions were received from the Forum of State APC Chairmen, Bayelsa State APC, South-South Zonal APC, Akwa Ibom APC, Cross River State House of Assembly, former APC Zonal Vice-Chairman Ntufam Hilliard Eta, and APC Special Leader Dr. Juliana, among others.
The hearing marked the beginning of a zonal engagement strategy to gather grassroots input, with the next phases expected to span other geopolitical regions of the country.
As the APC moves toward finalizing its constitutional reforms, stakeholders expressed optimism that the process would result in a more inclusive, equitable, and representative party structure, aligned with the broader goals of national unity and democratic development.
