…… Receives memoranda
Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress( APC) has held a One-Day South East public hearing on its constitution’s amendment , aimed at inclusion and strengthening it’s internal democracy..
Declaring the event open at the International Conference Centre ICC Enugu on Friday, the host and Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah said the constitution amendment of the the party , will strengthen internal democracy in the party.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia,, Governor Mbah applauded leadership of the party, nothing that ,”This is the first time ever that the APC will be conducting a constitution amendment public hearing across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and the first in the South East.
Party leaders at the South East public hearing held in Enugu state, Nigeria.
“These historic firsts reveal not only the maturity of the APC but also the seriousness with which we approach democratic reforms, internal coherence and broad-based participation.”
The governor said the public hearing would strengthen internal democracy, reflect inclusiveness in democratic governance and party administration and position the party for the 2027 general elections.
He thanked the party for hosting the event in Enugu, saying that it spoke volume about the centrality of the state in the political life of the South East.
The Governor pledged that the state, under his watch, would continue to support the party as much as possible.
In her remarks, the South-East Coordinator, APC Constitution Amendment Committee, Miriam Onuoha, said the idea behind the review was to enlarge the party and accommodate new members.
SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia represented Enugu state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah
She added that a lot of persons, including Governor Mbah, recently joined the party, and amending the party’s constitution would make the new members feel at home as well as make others join the party.
“We intend to expand the party’s membership and accommodate more people, including former governors, National Assembly members, state assembly members, women, and persons with disabilities.
“The committee aims to position the APC as a leading global political party and accommodate people joining from other parties.
“The committee is tasked with receiving and considering memoranda from party members on the future direction of the APC.
“There is a need for women’s inclusion and representation within the party’s leadership structure,” she said.
She announced that women were allocated Eleven positions and they will assess the positions themselves. Onuoha urged party members to participate in the continuous voters’ registration exercise, revalidate their voters cards and people who have are Eighteen years to go and register..
Enugu state Acting Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye
She disclosed that memoranda were received from Dr. Ben Nwoye, Eugene Odoh ( both from Enugu state) Anambra state, Imo state among others.
In his speech, the APC National Vice Chairman, South East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, said the party could not continue to operate with outdated constitution, which she disclosed was last amended in 2022.
She said one advantage of the amendment was the inclusion of women to ensure inclusivity to enable them take more strategic positions, instead of one or two positions reserved for women in the past.
Earlier, the APC Acting chairman in Enugu state, Dr. Ben Nwoye, commended the party for the choice of Enugu as the venue of the important public hearing on constitution review.
He said the event had never happened before in the state, stressing that it was coming barely one month after the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah joined the party. He commended the Governor for joining the APC.
The Governor of Ebonyi state,Francis Nwafiru , in a remark, commended Enugu state Governor and all party members who. Joined the APC newly. Represented by a state lawmaker, Joseph Nwannunu, Governor Nwifuru assured the people of Enugu state of inclusion, saying that they will soon start enjoying the party.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Enugu state, House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Uche Ugwu described the public hearing as ” remarkable” ” It underscores the trust the leadership has in advancing more”, politically..
“The constitution is not just a set of rules. It is a moral compass that defines our actions. The gathering reminds us that power belongs to the people. We are duty bound to strengthen our internal mechanism, build trust,” Ugwu said.
Participants at the public hearing were from Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi,Imo and Ania states. The
