Politics
Urges stronger internal democracy, inclusiveness, and party discipline
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, yesterday declared open the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-West Zonal Public Hearing on the party’s constitution review and amendment exercise, describing it as a defining moment to strengthen the APC’s unity, internal democracy, and institutional capacity.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall of the Muhammadu Buhari Government House, Katsina, brought together party leaders and stakeholders from across the North-West zone, including members of the National Assembly, Speakers of State Assemblies, state chairmen, and members of the APC Constitution Review Committee.
In his keynote address, Governor Radda said the exercise was personally significant to him, recalling his experience as a pioneer member of the APC National Working Committee and part of the team that drafted the first APC constitution under Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
He said the APC had provided many Nigerians with the opportunity to serve their people, hence the need to respect its constitution and strengthen its institutions.
“The APC gave many of us the platform to serve our people. It is therefore our collective duty to respect its constitution, strengthen its institutions, and uphold discipline within its ranks,” he said.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our party continues to grow stronger, driven by vision, planning, and purposeful leadership.”
He noted that the review was not about personalities but about principles, adding that the North-West, being the political and demographic base of the APC, must lead the process with honesty, foresight, and integrity.
“Our aim must be to strengthen internal democracy and ensure credible primaries that reflect the will of grassroots members; promote accountability and transparency in leadership and party finances; encourage inclusivity by ensuring fair representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities; and embed discipline and ethical conduct in all party activities,” he said.
Governor Radda, who also chairs the North-West Governors’ Forum, reaffirmed the support of all APC governors in the region for the constitutional review process, saying it was essential to build a stronger and more vibrant APC capable of leading Nigeria toward peace, progress, and prosperity.
He commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for sustaining the reform drive. The governor also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “the moral compass and father of modern Nigerian democracy.”
Representing the Chairman of the APC Constitution Review Committee and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, was Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Chairman of the Cross River APC and South-South representative on the Committee.
Eba conveyed Governor Buni’s goodwill message and commended Governor Radda for hosting the zonal public hearing, describing him as “a symbol of hope for Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.”
He explained that the review became necessary as the APC’s constitution, last amended in March 2022, no longer adequately reflects the party’s expanded structure and evolving realities.
“It is an anomaly that a governor who completes his term would not automatically qualify as a member of the National Executive Committee of the party. This and other gaps are what the current review seeks to address,” Eba said.
He added that the nationwide consultation, which began in April, had received hundreds of submissions from stakeholders focused on inclusiveness, transparency, and effective leadership.
Earlier, the Katsina APC Chairman, Alhaji Sani Aliyu Ahmed Daura, described the review as “a clear testament to the APC’s commitment to internal growth, unity, and long-term stability.”
He praised Governor Radda’s leadership in transforming Katsina State across key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and security, adding that his leadership had restored confidence in both the state and the party.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha, member of the Constitution Review Committee representing the South-East; the Speakers of the Kebbi and Jigawa State Houses of Assembly; and the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Idris Muhammad Gobir, who represented his governor.
Among dignitaries in attendance were the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Senator Nasir Sani Zangon Daura; 15 members of the House of Representatives from Katsina; all 34 local government chairmen; APC state chairmen from Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Yobe; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; former deputy governors; members of the National Working Committee; and ALGON representatives.
