By Isaac Ukpoju
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has declared open the North Central zonal public hearing on the amendment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) constitution, calling for inclusiveness and broad stakeholder participation in the process.
Declaring the hearing open in Lafia, Sule commended the Amendment Committee for its commitment and dedication in reviewing the party’s constitution to reflect current realities.
He said that the exercise was timely, considering the growth of the party and the need to strengthen its internal democratic structures.
“This initiative came directly from President Bola Tinubu, who constituted the committee with three governors to lead the review,” he said.
The governor, who is a member of the committee, said the party had continued to attract new members, including serving governors, due to its progressive ideals.
Sule attributed the increasing strength of the APC to the reforms initiated by Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, which he said had boosted government revenues at all levels.
“These reforms have increased the revenues accruing to federal, state, and local governments. In Nasarawa, this has translated into more infrastructure and social investments,” he added.
He encouraged stakeholders to submit memoranda on the proposed amendments, assuring that all submissions would be duly considered.
“Instead of complaining later, it is better to make your submissions now so that genuine concerns and ideas can be captured,” he said.
Sule assured that the amendment process would be fair, inclusive, and reflective of the party’s democratic ideals, especially in addressing women and youth participation.
In his remarks, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the APC commended Gov. Sule for his unwavering commitment to the growth and success of the party in the state.
Yilwatda, represented by the party’s Assistant National Secretary, Dr Abdulkarim Kana, described Sule as a “party-friendly governor” and “a model leader,” adding that the governor had remained steadfast in promoting the ideals and unity of the APC.
He thanked the governor for hosting the event and for his role as a member of the Constitution Amendment Committee.
He noted that the party remains strong in Nasarawa State and continues to grow stronger under Sule’s leadership.
Also speaking at the event, Barr. Murtala Kankia, National Legal Adviser of the party and Secretary of the committee, said that the purpose of the public hearing was to gather the views of party members and stakeholders across all levels so that “whatever comes out of the process will reflect the true wishes of the people.”
He said that the committee was constituted to review key areas of the party’s constitution to enhance inclusiveness and address emerging issues within the APC structure.
“The committee is looking at critical areas such as increased participation of women, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and recognition of new entrants into the party,” he said.
According to him, the proposed review will also seek to formalise waivers for new members who wish to contest elective positions without necessarily meeting the existing six-month membership requirement.
Kankia explained that the zonal hearings were part of the committee’s strategy to ensure broad-based consultation before arriving at a final draft.
“We have held similar sessions in Cross River for the South-South and in Katsina for the North-West. We are now in Nasarawa for the North-Central, and will also visit Borno for the North-East, Enugu for the South-East, and Ogun for the South-West,” he said.
Kankia disclosed that the committee had received about 17 memoranda from different stakeholders in the North-Central zone.
He added that at the end of the zonal public hearings a technical sub-committee would be constituted to harmonise the submissions and eliminate duplications.
Kankia said that the final report would be presented to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for adoption after a national public hearing.
The APC Legal Adviser further hinted that the proposed amendment might also create space for former governors, presiding officers of the National Assembly, and former national chairmen to participate in NEC meetings.
“This will enable them to continue contributing to the growth of the party as resource persons,” he added.
Kankia assured that though the committee had no specific timeframe, members were working with urgency to complete the assignment within the shortest possible period.
“Our aim is to produce a working document that will stand the test of time and reflect the collective aspirations of all party members,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
