The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has assured long-standing members of the party that recent defectors will not be allowed to dominate its leadership structures.
Yilwatda gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders of the party in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He stressed the need to balance the interests of founding members and new entrants, noting that while the party remains open to all, no group would be allowed to override another.
“It is a home that we built. If the house was not built, nobody will come, so nobody should come as a warrior and take over,” he said.
The APC chairman explained that the party would adopt an inclusive power-sharing arrangement to ensure fair representation of all members.
He outlined key considerations in the arrangement, including gender inclusion, equitable representation across the six geopolitical zones, participation of indigenous groups in the FCT, and youth involvement.
Yilwatda also confirmed the existence of a committee chaired by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, which handled zoning of party positions in the FCT.
He noted that the committee’s recommendations had been implemented without complaints from party members, adding that the party’s constitution would guide future congresses.
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The chairman further stated that defectors seeking leadership positions must provide proof of resignation from their former parties, including evidence of acceptance by their previous party leadership.
He reiterated that party rules on tenure would be enforced, stressing that members who had held the same office for eight consecutive years must step down or seek a different position.
Yilwatda emphasised inclusion as a core principle of the party, adding that women and minority groups must be given meaningful roles beyond election periods.
