By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – As the February 26 national convention of the All Progressives Party (APC) draws closer, its Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) led by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has notified members of proposed amendments to the Party’s Constitution.
The National Secretary of the CECPC, Sen. John James Akpanudodehe, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Friday, February 11, 2022.
He said the notice was in accordance with Article 30 (iii) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution, which stipulates that the notice is served at least fourteen (14) days before the date of the National Convention in which the proposed amendments would be considered.
The CECPC National Secretary said the proposed amendments seek to, among things, fill gaps that became apparent by a series of litigation involving the Party, provide for clearer disciplinary measures for erring members, and make changes to the APC’s working organs.
Akpanudodehe noted that the APC Constitution 2014 has been in effect for almost eight years and together with judgments from Courts of competent jurisdiction, administrative experiences have revealed flaws in the Constitution, thereby making it imperative to conduct a review of the Party’s Constitution.
He added: ”The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee established a Constitution Review Committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Tahir Mamman OON, SAN to thoroughly review the Constitution in accordance with Article 30 which provides for Constitutional amendments.
”The Committee adopted an all-inclusive approach which led to the draft proposals.
”Broadly, the amendment proposals address the following: Clarify ambiguities in the Constitution; fill gaps that became apparent; recognise and expand platforms for participation of critical groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities and replace the Board of Trustees (BoT) under a new title called National Advisory Council with streamlined memberships and clear powers and functions.”
He further said the proposed amendment seeks to create zonal congresses; clarify powers of National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC); provide clearer accountability by organs of the party; set up new organs for efficient administration of the party; ensure fair distribution of income between national and sub-national organs and clarify disciplinary procedures and powers etc.
Click here to read details of the proposed changes to the APC Constitution: APC CONSTITUTION