About 100 memoranda were submitted in Calabar on Tuesday as key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South zone held the first public hearing on the amendment of the party’s national constitution.

The session, hosted in Cross River State, attracted representatives of APC governors, state chairmen, and legal advisers from all five South-South states except Rivers, which is yet to be fully integrated into the ruling party’s structure.

Non-executive stakeholders and party loyalists also took part in the exercise, making reform proposals aimed at strengthening internal democracy and promoting inclusiveness within the APC.

Chairman of the Cross River State APC, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, who presided over the hearing and represents the zone on the constitution amendment committee, said President Bola Tinubu directed the review to reflect the party’s growing membership and evolving structure.

Eba disclosed that similar zonal hearings will hold across the country, with the next session scheduled for Katsina in the North-West.

“President Tinubu called for this review to create more room for women, youths, and persons with disabilities,” he said. “The aim is to build a constitution that will serve the party effectively for many years to come.”

He added that 10 of the 100 memoranda originated from Cross River State and would be harmonised with contributions from other geopolitical zones before a final draft is presented to the national leadership.

APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South, Chief Victor Giadom, described the constitution as the “cornerstone of the party’s internal democracy,” saying it defines the rights, powers, and limitations of both members and leaders.

“It is not just a framework,” Giadom said, “but a living testament to our collective values, justice, and commitment to the rule of law.” (Daily Trust)