YOUTHS and gender inclusiveness dominated memoranda submitted by APC members at the North-East public hearing on the party’s constitutional amendment in Maiduguri on Monday.
Declaring the hearing open, Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, commended the APC National Executive Committee for creating a platform to strengthen internal democracy.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, Zulum endorsed greater gender inclusiveness and emphasised increased youth participation in political activities at all party levels.
He described the proposed amendment as timely and strategic, aimed at strengthening internal democracy, enhancing transparency, and improving grassroots mobilisation.
“Central to these reforms are decentralisation of power, improvement of candidate selection, and increased representation of women and youths, the driving force of the party,” Zulum said.
The governor urged participants to prioritise transparency, inclusiveness, credibility, and fairness in candidate selection and all party processes.
Zulum also advocated mandatory regular local elections, consultations, and engagements to sustain the party’s vitality at the grassroots.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the constitution review followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to accommodate Nigerians’ diverse interests within the party.
Represented by Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, Yilwatda assured that all memoranda submitted would be carefully considered.
Similarly, APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankiya, expressed optimism the review would produce a transformative constitution rooted in justice, fairness, equity, and democratic ideals.
Kankiya said the amendment would address administrative lapses and strengthen the party’s internal mechanisms.
In his presentation, Constitution Review Committee Chairman and Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said the review aimed to ensure fairness in democratic processes.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Buni said the amendment was inspired by President Tinubu’s performance across various development sectors.
He expressed confidence that state-level party executives and stakeholders had scrutinised the constitution and submitted necessary amendments.
Buni urged party executives to strictly adhere to rules during congresses to avoid unnecessary litigation.
He also proposed amending sections denying party executives and State Working Committee members the right to vote for aspirants during primaries.
National Deputy Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, submitted a memo seeking to reposition women for greater political participation.
Meanwhile, Gombe State did not submit a memo, citing confidence in the review committee’s integrity and competence.
Taraba 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 defectors should not contest elective offices immediately after joining the APC. (NAN)
