The All Progressives Congress (APC) has embarked on a significant APC constitutional review, a crucial process aimed at strengthening internal democracy and ensuring broader representation within Nigeria’s ruling party. This comprehensive amendment exercise, highlighted by extensive public hearings, underscores a commitment to adapt to evolving political landscapes and societal demands. A core focus has been placed on youth and gender inclusiveness, signaling a progressive shift in the party’s foundational principles. This is a critical step towards a more robust political future for Nigeria.
Youth and gender inclusiveness emerged as dominant themes during memoranda submissions at the North-East public hearing on the party’s constitutional amendment in Maiduguri. Borno Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his deputy Alhaji Umar Kadafur, strongly endorsed increased gender representation and emphasized greater youth participation across all party levels. This focus reflects a growing recognition of these demographics as vital driving forces for political vitality and future leadership, essential for any sustainable political framework.
What is APC constitutional review? The APC constitutional review is a comprehensive process initiated by Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress to amend its foundational document, aimed at strengthening internal democracy, enhancing transparency, and improving grassroots mobilization. It seeks to decentralize power, refine candidate selection, and increase representation for women and youth.
Governor Zulum described the proposed amendments as timely and strategic, designed specifically to foster internal democracy, enhance transparency in party operations, and improve grassroots mobilization. He stressed that central to these reforms are the decentralization of power, the improvement of candidate selection processes, and an increased representation of women and youths. These changes are envisioned to make the party more resilient and responsive to its members’ needs, addressing long-standing calls for reform.
Participants were urged by Governor Zulum to prioritize transparency, inclusiveness, credibility, and fairness in all aspects of candidate selection and general party processes. He also advocated for mandatory regular local elections, consultations, and engagements as essential mechanisms to sustain the party’s vitality and relevance at the grassroots level. Such measures are critical for maintaining popular confidence and ensuring the party remains truly representative, a key outcome of the APC constitutional review.
The impetus for this extensive APC constitutional review guide stems from President Bola Tinubu’s directive, according to APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. This directive aims to ensure the party’s constitution can accommodate the diverse interests of Nigerians. Yilwatda, represented by Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, assured all stakeholders that every submitted memorandum would receive careful consideration, promising a thorough and democratic process that reflects national aspirations.
APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankiya, expressed optimism that the review would culminate in a transformative constitution. This new document, he believes, will be firmly rooted in justice, fairness, equity, and democratic ideals. Kankiya highlighted that the amendment process, central to the APC constitutional review, is specifically designed to address existing administrative lapses and significantly strengthen the party’s internal mechanisms, ensuring greater operational efficiency and member satisfaction.
Constitution Review Committee Chairman and Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, explained that the core objective of the review is to ensure fairness in all democratic processes within the party. Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Buni noted that the amendment was inspired by President Tinubu’s performance across various development sectors, underscoring a desire to align party structure with national aspirations. The aim is to bridge any gaps between the apc old constitution vs new provisions.
Beyond the broad goals, the review committee also received specific proposals aimed at improving party discipline and structure. Taraba State, for instance, called for a constitutional provision requiring defectors seeking readmission to secure endorsements from at least two-thirds of ward members. Similarly, Bauchi State urged firm measures against defections, proposing that individuals who defect should not be allowed to contest elective offices immediately after rejoining the APC. These measures reflect a desire to instill greater party loyalty and stability, addressing concerns about political opportunism which often impacts the apc constitutional review pros vs cons.
Another significant proposal from Governor Buni involved amending sections that currently deny party executives and State Working Committee members the right to vote for aspirants during primaries. This aims to empower party leadership further and streamline internal selections. Concurrently, National Deputy Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, submitted a memo explicitly seeking to reposition women for greater political participation, directly addressing the theme of apc youth inclusion vs gender equality through policy and opportunity.
While Gombe State expressed confidence in the review committee’s integrity by not submitting a separate memo, the overall process is expected to have far-reaching implications for the party’s future. The commitment to regular consultations and engagements, as advocated by Governor Zulum, ensures that the party remains dynamic and responsive. The ongoing discussions and proposed changes lay a robust foundation for the apc constitutional amendment 2026 and beyond, aiming for a more robust and inclusive political framework.
In conclusion, the APC constitutional review represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s ruling party. By prioritizing youth and gender inclusion, strengthening internal democracy, and addressing critical operational aspects, the APC aims to emerge as a more transparent, equitable, and resilient political force. This comprehensive undertaking is designed to ensure the party’s sustained relevance and effectiveness in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape, ultimately benefiting all Nigerians.
