The All Progressives Congress (APC) recently released the schedule for the 2024 Rivers State Elective Congresses, which are set to begin on November 2. The announcement was made by Malam Suleiman Argungu, the National Organising Secretary of the party, through a statement issued from Abuja. This timetable follows the appointment of a caretaker committee led by Chief Tony Okocha, which was established after the dissolution of the previous Beke-led executives. The committee’s role is to manage the elections for new leadership in the state chapter of the party, a process that has seen contention, especially after a court reinstated the previous executives. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has declared its intention to uphold the legitimacy of the caretaker committee, standing firm on the belief that the court lacks jurisdiction over internal party matters.
In the latest announcement, prospective candidates for the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship positions have been informed of the financial obligations required for their nomination. Specifically, they must pay N3 million for chairmanship nominations and N2.5 million for vice-chairmanship. Local government chairmanship candidates are required to pay a significantly lower fee of N100,000. The party has also introduced provisions for discounts aimed at promoting inclusivity among candidates, particularly for women, individuals with disabilities, and the youth. Female aspirants and persons living with disabilities can acquire their Expression of Interest form with a 50% discount on the nomination fee. Similarly, young candidates aged between 25 to 40 years are also eligible for this discount, reflecting the APC’s commitment to encouraging diverse participation in the electoral process.
To ensure participation in the upcoming congresses, the APC has laid out specific eligibility criteria for voting at the Ward Congress level. The requirement stipulates that only financial members who have fulfilled their membership dues for three months prior to the delegate congress, set at N200 per month, will be qualified to vote. This measure aims to ensure that only committed members who have actively supported the party will take part in the electoral process, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the leadership elections within the party.
As for the procedural framework surrounding the elections, Argungu highlighted the timeline for several crucial activities. He indicated that the composition of the screening and appeal committee is scheduled for October 18, while the deadline for completed form submissions is set for October 21. This structured timeline is aimed at facilitating an organized electoral process and ensuring adherence to the necessary protocols as the party moves closer to electing its new leadership. The updated schedule is important in providing clarity and direction for both the party and potential aspirants as they prepare for the upcoming congresses.
The congress aimed at electing the members of the state executive council is set to take place on November 9, following the completion of the nomination and screening processes. This upcoming event is crucial for the APC in Rivers State, as it will not only establish the leadership for the party but also influence its strategic direction leading into the 2024 elections. By preparing a structured timetable and addressing membership recruitment, the APC is actively gearing up to solidify its presence in the state.
Overall, the announced leadership election timetable reflects the APC’s strategic planning and commitment to fostering an inclusive political environment. The measures taken to ensure discounted fees for specific groups depict a recognition of the importance of diversity in political representation. As the party prepares for this significant electoral event, it aims to strengthen its organizational structure in Rivers State ahead of the crucial elections, showcasing its resilience in the face of internal challenges and competition.
