The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a significant step towards reforming its national constitution, with a public hearing held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Tuesday. The event, which drew critical stakeholders from the South-South zone, marked the beginning of a nationwide effort to amend the party’s constitution.

A total of 100 memoranda were submitted during the hearing, which was attended by representatives of APC governors, state chairmen, and legal advisers from all five South-South states, except Rivers. Non-executive stakeholders and party loyalists also participated, advocating for reforms to strengthen internal democracy and ensure inclusiveness within the party.

According to Chairman of the Cross River State APC, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, President Bola Tinubu directed the review to accommodate the party’s expanding membership base. Eba, who presided over the hearing and represents the zone on the constitution amendment committee, disclosed that similar zonal hearings will be held across the country, with the next session scheduled for Katsina in the North-West.

The review aims to create more room for women, youths, and persons with disabilities, and to build a constitution that will serve the party effectively for many years to come. Of the 100 memoranda submitted, 10 originated from Cross River State and will be harmonized with inputs from other geopolitical zones before a final draft is presented to the national leadership.

APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South, Chief Victor Giadom, emphasized the importance of the party’s constitution, describing it as the “cornerstone of the party’s internal democracy.” He stated that it defines the rights, powers, and limitations of members and leaders, and serves as a living testament to the party’s collective values, justice, and commitment to the rule of law.

The exercise has been hailed as crucial to safeguarding individual liberties and strengthening the APC’s democratic foundations. Representing Governor Bassey Otu at the event, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, noted that members must continue to make meaningful contributions to the party’s constitution and growth to build a stronger APC that will endure for the next 50 years and beyond.