All states involved, 7-member screening committees… APC releases timetable for congresses

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved the schedule for its 2021 congresses in all states of the country, and the federal capital territory (FCT).

In a notice signed by John Akpanudoedehe, national secretary of the APC caretaker committee, the purchase of nomination forms for ward, local government/area councils and state congresses will take place between July 19 and August 28.

Akpanudoedehe said screening of aspirants for the ward positions is scheduled for July 29 to July 30, adding that ward congresses will hold on July 31, 2021.

He said appeals arising from ward congresses will be held from August 2 to August 7.

The APC secretary also said waivers have been issued to new members and returning executives to seek elective offices, adding the a committee of seven persons will be appointed to “conduct the ward congress in their place of posting”.

“In line with Article 11:A sub-section (i-xiii) and article 16(i) of the Party’s Constitution (as Amended), the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be organising its congresses across the 36 states and FCT to elect its Wards, Local Governments and States Officials,” he said.

“Only Wards and Local Government Areas stipulated in Sections 156 of the Electoral Act and in part I&II of the First Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as Amended) are recognised.

“The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party, in a bid to ensure open, credible and fair congresses that reflect the sanctity of internal democracy in the party, issues a guiding regulation for the nationwide congresses of the party.

“It is binding on all persons coordinating and participating in all congresses.”

SALE OF FORMS

Aspirants for the position of ward chairman will purchase forms at the cost of N10,000, while forms for ward vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer positions cost N5,000.

Other offices cost N2,000, while all delegates will pay N1,000 for forms.

WOMEN, PWDs TO PAY 50 PERCENT

The ruling party said all female aspirants and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay 50 percent of the prescribed fees for each position.

“All persons vying for the position of youth leader must be persons aged between 18-35years,” the notice by Akpanudoedehe reads.

“All Aspirants must show evidence of financial membership of the party.”