Businessman and politician, Tein Jack-Rich, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against sidelining its founding members in favour of new defectors joining the party.
He gave the warning in Abuja after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Rivers West Senatorial seat on the APC platform.
Jack-Rich said while it is healthy for the party to welcome new members, long-standing loyalists who supported the APC from its early days must not be neglected or pushed aside.
According to him, the party’s strength lies in balancing experience and loyalty with fresh membership, stressing that founding members played key roles during difficult periods when the party was still struggling for acceptance.
He added that it would be unfair for those who stood by the party “when it was not popular” to now be displaced simply because the APC is in power.
Jack-Rich described himself as one of the party’s consistent supporters at both state and national levels, noting that he has backed several APC candidates over the years.
Speaking on his senatorial ambition, he said his decision to contest for Rivers West was driven by his desire to provide effective representation and contribute to national development, especially in the oil and gas sector.
He expressed confidence in winning both the party primaries and the general election, adding that his experience in the energy industry would help him deliver impactful legislation if elected.
