APC Constitutional Overhaul Aims for Transparent Primaries and Greater Inclusion, Says Governor Radda
In a significant move poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is undertaking a comprehensive review of its governing constitution. Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has thrown his full weight behind the initiative, asserting that the proposed amendments are a critical step toward ensuring transparent primary elections and fostering the seamless inclusion of women, youth, and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) at all levels of the party’s affairs.
A Foundation of Progressive Governance
The push for constitutional reform was the central theme at the Northwest public hearing held in Katsina. Governor Radda, addressing party stalwarts and committee members, framed the exercise as more than a mere bureaucratic update. He described it as a vital process to reinforce the very principles upon which the APC was founded.
“Our party was built on the vision of progressive governance, internal democracy, accountability, and service to Nigerians,” Radda stated. “This amendment is about principles, sustainability, and the unity of both our party and the nation.”
Pillars of the Proposed Reforms
The governor outlined three core objectives driving the constitutional review, signaling a potential paradigm shift in how Nigeria’s ruling party operates from the ground up.
First, strengthening internal democracy. The amendments aim to guarantee free and transparent primary elections that genuinely reflect the will of the party’s grassroots members. For too long, the specter of manipulated primaries has haunted Nigerian politics, often leading to disaffection and defections. A credible and transparent process is seen as the bedrock for party cohesion and electoral success.
Second, upholding accountability and transparency. This extends beyond candidate selection to encompass the party’s finances, decision-making processes, and leadership. By institutionalizing greater openness, the APC hopes to build trust among its members and the electorate at large.
Third, and perhaps most notably, enhancing inclusivity. The proposed changes seek to ensure equitable representation for groups often marginalized in political structures: women, youth, and PLWDs. This is not merely a token gesture; it is about weaving these demographics into the very fabric of the party’s leadership and operations.
Broadening the Big Tent: The Drive for Inclusivity
The emphasis on inclusion was a recurring motif throughout the public hearing. Ms. Miriam Onuoha, speaking on behalf of the committee members, confirmed that a significant portion of the memoranda received from Northwest party members focused on the roles of women, youth, and PLWDs.
She revealed a telling statistic: the draft constitution already provides for 11 positions in Ward Executives to be allocated specifically to women. This concrete measure indicates a serious commitment to moving beyond rhetoric and enacting tangible change. The question now is whether similar quotas or affirmative actions will be implemented at the local, state, and national levels to create a truly representative party structure.
Recognizing Past Contributors and Current Realities
Another key area of amendment addresses a perceived gap in the party’s current framework. The Chairman of the Amendment Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, highlighted that the existing constitution effectively excludes past governors and former members of the National Assembly from the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).
Represented by the Cross Rivers State APC Chairman, Mr. Alphonsus Eba, Governor Buni argued for the need to amend the constitution to recognize the continued contributions of these experienced leaders. Bringing such influential figures back into the fold could provide strategic depth and historical continuity, leveraging their experience for the party’s long-term stability.
A Call to Order and Unity
Governor Radda also took the opportunity to issue a pointed reminder to all officials elected on the APC platform. He urged them to consistently respect the party that facilitated their rise to power. “They are what they are today because of the party,” he asserted, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between elected officials and the party machinery. This call for discipline suggests an effort to curb the tendency of politicians to become distant from the party structure once they secure office.
Amidst the discussions on internal party matters, Governor Radda also commended President Bola Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” and called on all Nigerians to continue supporting the administration for the nation’s betterment. This alignment with the national leadership reinforces party unity as it navigates complex reforms.
The Road to the National Convention
The Northwest hearing is part of a broader national consultation. The committee, as explained by its Secretary and APC National Legal Adviser, Malam Murtala Aliyu-Kankia, is collating views from all geo-political zones. All memoranda submitted will be compiled into a single document to be presented at the party’s forthcoming national convention.
The ultimate goal, as stated by the committee, is ambitious: to transform the APC into the largest political party in Africa. But this ambition is tempered by the understanding that size without internal cohesion, democracy, and fairness is unsustainable. A constitution that guarantees transparent primaries, empowers marginalized groups, and holds leaders accountable is being positioned as the vehicle to achieve that goal.
As the APC embarks on this journey of self-renewal, the political world watches closely. The success or failure of these constitutional amendments will not only determine the party’s internal health but could also set a new standard for political organization and inclusivity across the continent.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Syndicate – https://thesyndicate.com.ng/amendment-of-apc-constitution-will-guarantee-transparent-primaries-women-plwds-inclusion-radda/