By Musa Kutama, calabar
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed a constitutional amendment to its party framework that would ensure a minimum of not less than 30 per cent of affirmative action for women in elective positions across the country.
The inclusion effort was revealed in Calabar, Monday in Cross River State, during the South-South and South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitutional Amendment of the APC. The exercise is part of ongoing nationwide consultations by the party’s Constitution Review Committee.
Speaking shortly after the session, the Cross River State Chairman of the APC, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, told journalists that the party was committed to deepening inclusiveness and gender equity within its structure and the broader governance system.
He emphasized that women must not only be seen as campaign mobilizers or voters during elections but as active participants and decision-makers in the political process.
According to the APC bigwig, the 30 per cent proposal represents the party’s deliberate step toward fulfilling Nigeria’s commitment to gender balance and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. His words: “For genuine representation to take place in Nigeria, women must be given opportunities at all tiers of government — local, state and national,” Eba declared.
He also emphasized that the proposed constitutional amendment was in line with global democratic practices that encourage gender inclusivity as a foundation for sustainable governance and social justice.
The public hearing, which took place in Calabar, attracted delegates from across the South-South and South-East zones,
representatives drawn from state chapters of the APC and members of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
During the deliberations, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly presented a position paper advocating for the inclusion of local government caucuses at the chapter level of the party’s structure.
Eba noted that such submissions would only be considered valid if presented directly by the author or a duly accredited representative. He stressed that any position not so presented would be treated as ‘abandoned’.
APC state chairmen from Akwai Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Enugu were in attendance, with each state submitting recommendations to strengthen the party’s constitution and internal democracy.
The host Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, was represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem.
Ayambem, who declared the session open, commended the APC leadership for institutionalizing dialogue and inclusion through the constitutional review process. He expressed optimism that the outcome would promote fairness and strengthen unity within the party.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also serves as a member of the National Constitution Review Committee, was represented by Hon. Miriam Onuoha, representing the South-East zone on the committee.
The Secretary of the APC Constitution Review Committee, Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, coordinated proceedings, assuring participants that all submissions would be collated and presented to the National Chairman of the Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, for further action.
Other distinguished members of the National Review Committee present included Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, representing the South-West Zone, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, representing the North-West Zone, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, representing the North-East Zone, and Governor Abdullahi Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, representing the North Central Zone.
Eba expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership for giving states in the two geopolitical zones the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the APC and Nigeria’s democratic system.
He maintained that the party’s openness to reform and inclusivity would enhance its image and performance ahead of future elections.
The session ended with a renewed call for unity, discipline and gender fairness within the APC as it prepares to present the reviewed constitution to the National Executive Committee for ratifications.
