Ahead of the February 26 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has served a notice of proposed amendments to the party’s Constitution on members of the National Convention.

National Secretary, APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Sen. John James Akpanudodehe, on Friday, stated that the key amendments in the party’s Constitution was: the creation of zonal congresses and replacement of the Board of Trustees (BoT) under a new title called National Advisory Council with streamlined memberships and clear powers and functions.

Akpanudodehe also states that the proposed constitution amendment is out to: Clarify ambiguities in the Constitution; Fill gaps that became apparent; Recognize and expand platforms for participation of critical groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities; Clarify powers of National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC); Clearer accountability by organs of the party; New organs for efficient administration of the party; Fair distribution of income between national and sub-national organs and; Clarify disciplinary procedures and powers etc.

He said: “In accordance with Article 30 (iii) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution, the Governor Mai Mala Buni-chaired Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has served a notice of proposed amendments to the Party’s Constitution on members of the National Convention.

“Article 30 (iii) stipulates that the notice is served at least 14 days before the date of the National Convention at which the proposed amendments is to be considered.

“APC Constitution 2014 has been in effect for almost eight years and together with judgements from courts of competent jurisdiction, administrative experiences have revealed flaws in the Constitution. It became imperative to conduct a review of the party’s Constitution.”

According to him, a Constitution Review Committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Tahir Mamman was put in place by CECPC 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.

TheStar