[MUST READ] CONSTITUTION OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) Intro Table of Content Preamble Article 1 Name of Party Article 2 Supremacy of the Party Constitution Article 3 Motto Article 4 Slogan Article 5 Flag Article 6 Symbol Article 7 Aims and Objectives Article 8 Secretariat Article 9 Membership Article 10 Party Organization Article 11 Party Organs Article 12 Composition of Party Organs Article 13 Powers of Party Organs Article 14 Powers of National Officers Article 15 Other Officers (National and Others) Article 16 Party Administration Article 17 Tenure of Office Article 18 Standing and Ad-hoc Committees Article 19 Duties and Functions of the Standing and Ad-hoc Committees Article 20 Elections and Appointments Article 21 Discipline of Party Members Article 22 Party Finance Article 23 Bank Account Article 24 Audit and Account Article 25 Meetings Article 26 Quorum Article 27 Venue of Meetings Article 28 Common Seal Article 29 Oath of Office Article 30 Amendment Article 31 Omnibus Provisions Article 32 Interpretation ARTICLE 33 Definitions SCHEDULE I Oaths CONSTITUTION OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) PREAMBLE WE the true progressives and patriots determined to render service at all levels of governance; and to build a nation which will guarantee equal opportunity for all, mutual and peaceful co- existence, respect and understanding, eliminating all forms of discrimination and social injustice among Nigerians, rendering selfless service that will rekindle a deep sense of patriotism and nationalism; hereby make, enact and give the following constitution to ourselves for effective governance of our Party and promotion of its ideals, aims and objectives. ARTICLE 1: NAME OF THE PARTY There shall be a Political Party called, addressed and known as ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, with the abbreviation APC hereinafter referred to as the ‘Party”. ARTICLE 2: SUPREMACY OF THE PARTY CONSTITUTION Subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and any other Laws for the time being in force in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the provisions of this Constitution shall be supreme PROVIDED that where any Rule, Regulation or any other enactment of the Party is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, such a Rule, Regulation arid Enactment shall, to the extent of its inconsistency, be null and void and of no effect whatsoever, ARTICLE 3: MOTTO: JUSTICE, PEACE AND UNITY ARTICLE 4: SLOGAN: CHANGE ARTICLE 5: FLAG: The flag of the party shall be green, white (in which a broom held hand imposed) and sky blue, all of which are placed on a red base in Which APC white painted acronym is inscribed. ARTICLE 6: SYMBOL: The flag of the party with a hand held broom on the white portion. ARTICLE 7: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims and objectives of the Party shall be: To promote and foster the unity, political stability and national consciousness of the people of Nigeria. To promote true federalism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To organize Chapters of the Party throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria and beyond. To sponsor eligible candidates and canvass for votes for election into all elective offices in all tiers of government. To consciously pursue the implementation of the policies and programmes of the Party, through those of its members that are appointed or elected into government, legislative houses and Boards throughout the Federation. To evolve, develop and promote an economic policy direction which guarantees public participation in, and where necessary, control of the major means of production, distribution and exchange To protect the interest of farmers, workers women, youth and persons with Disabilities in Nigeria and to faithfully strive to obtain for them the greatest Possible return for their labour and full participation in the Nigerian enterprise To promote and Uphold the practice of internal democracy at all levels of The Party’s organization To institutionalize maintain and foster representative democracy, discipline and strict observance of Rule of Law in the Federation of Nigeria. To Co-operate with any Political or other organization whose aims and objectives are in harmony with those of the Party and in Conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To actively Condemn and resist all forms of oppression and exploitation of Nigerians To promote social, Political and economic freedoms and the general welfare of the people, with a View to Permanently ensuring the establishment of peace, freedom, dignity of labour, equity, fraternity and happiness for all the people of Nigeria. To foster and defend the freedom of the Press and the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all Nigerians and the people of the world in general. To pursue a dynamic foreign policy aimed at: Friendly and reciprocal relations with other countries, Good governance and democratic freedom for people of African descent and all other oppressed peoples throughout the world, Promotion of cultural values of black peoples all over the world; and Maintenance of international peace, harmony and cooperation. To work consciously to promote the development of science, technology and local expertise. To do anything ancillary or conducive to tie promotion of the aforementioned aims and objectives. ARTICLE 8: SECRETARIAT The registered office of the party shall be located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria WHILE other offices in the State Capitals, Local Government Areas Headquarters, Wards and other places shall be determined by the APPROPRIATE Executive Committee and approved by the National Executive Committee. ARTICLE 9: MEMBERSHIP: 9.1 Eligibility/Registration Membership of the Party shall be open to any citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has attained the age of 18 years and who accepts the aims and objectives of the Party, provided that such a person is not a member of any other political party or any organization whose policies and programes are inconsistent with those of the Party. Application for membership shall be made to and cleared by the Ward Executives of the Party in the Ward of the Local Government Area where the person was born, resides, works or originates. On- line registration shall also be acceptable provided that it is cleared by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party. Where an application is refused, the applicant may as of right appeal to the Local Government Area Executive Committee of the Party or to the National Secretary or National Chairman, in case of on-tine registration. Upon enrolment, every member shall pay the prescribed fees and shall be issued with a Membership Card and a Dues Card. Rules and Obligations Members of the Party shall be obliged to affirm the Party’s aims and objectives and conduct themselves in a manner that shall not bring the party to public odium and disrepute. Members of the party shall also observe the rules and regulations embedded in this Constitution. Members shall pay, as at and when due, all dues and levies as may be prescribed by any organ of the Party authorized so to do. Members shall participate in the activities of the party e.g. election campaigns, rallies, fund raising, functions, meetings, etc. 9.3 Rights and Privileges Only fully registered and financially up-to- date members of the Party shall have the right to vote and be voted for into any of the elected positions, subject to the provisions made for such elections pursuant to this Constitution or other Laws or Regulation Consequently nonfinancial members shall not enjoy the above rights. Subject to (i) above, members shall enjoy the privileges of the Party and shall be entitled to be appointed to any committee of the Party on the approval of the Executive Committees of the Party at the various levels. Register of Members A Register of members shall be compiled and maintained at the Ward level and be transmitted to the Secretariat of the Party at the Local Government Area, Which shall transmit a copy to the State Headquarters, which in turn shall transmit a copy to the National Secretariat provided that the Party shall update its membership records every six months and remit Updated copies to appropriate Secretariats thereafter it shall be the responsibility of a member to ensure that his or her name is duly entered in the Ward Register. Where a group or association joins the Party, the Party shall welcome the group or association, but each member of such group or association shall register individually at their respective Wards. Where eligible persons for membership of the Pay numbering THIRTY (30) or more reside any country outside Nigeria, they may establish a chapter of the party and shall enjoy full benefits of membership. For the purpose of obtaining the approval of the National Executive Committee, such interested members shall appropriately be registered by the National Secretariat of the Party and proper congress for the election of officers conducted by the National Secretariat Township and other local meetings shall only be recognized by the National Executive Committee approved Diaspora chapter Cessation of Membership Membership of the Party shall be terminated by death, resignation or expulsion or by procurement of membership of another political party or accepting political appointment from any political party or opposition government. Upon resignation or expulsion, a member shall be legally obliged to return to the Party all its properties in his or her possession. ARTICLE 10: PARTY ORGANIZATION There shall be seven levels of Party organization namely; The Polling Unit The Ward The Local Government Area/Area Council The Senatorial District The State The Zone The National Each of these levels shall have a functional secretarial except the Senatorial District and Polling Unit. ARTICLE 11: PARTY ORGANS The Party shall have the following fourteen Principal Organs: National Convention Board of Trustees National Executive Committee National Working Committee Zonal Committee State Congress State Executive Committee State Working Committee Senatorial District Committee Local Government Area/Area OTHER BODIES The Party shall have the following other bodies: Board of Trustees National Caucus Zonal Caucus State Caucus Local Government Area/Area Council Caucus ARTICLE 12: COMPOSITION OF PARTY ORGANS The Party organs listed in Article 10 above shall be composed as follows: 12.1 National Convention Members of the Board of Trustees; National Chairman and all Members of the National Executive Committee; Serving and past Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are Members of the Party; Serving and past Governors and Deputy Governors of States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the Party; Serving and past members of the National Assembly who are members of the Party, serving and past Speakers, Deputy Speakers and other principal officers of the State Houses of Assembly, and all serving members of the State Houses of Assembly who are members of the Party. Members of the States’ Working Committee (including that of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) of the Party; All Party Chairmen and Secretaries of the Local Government Areas/ Area Councils of the country; All elected Local Government Council/Area Council Chairmen of the country who are members of the Party; Three elected delegates (at least one of whom must be a woman) from each Local Government Area/Area Council of the country. 12.2 Board of Trustees Composition The Board of Trustees shall be composed as follows: Past and serving Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the Party; Past and serving Senate Presidents and Deputy Senate Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the Party; Past and serving Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the House of Representative who are members of the Party. Past and serving Governors of States in the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the Party. Past National Chairmen and Chairmen of Board of Trustees (BOT) of Political Parties who have produced a past President, Senator(s), Member(s) of House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governor(s) of State(s) of the Federation or Member(s) of House(s) of Assembly of State(s) of the Federation and are members of the Party, subject to approval by the National Executive Committee (NEC). Past and serving National Chairman produced by the Party. Serving National Secretary of the Party. Two serving Senators from each geopolitical zone of the Country who are members of the Party to be nominated by the Senators from such zone. One Member nominated by each State/Federal Capital Territory Executive Committee for consideration, and subsequent recommendation by the National Working Committee to the National Executive Committee for approval; One woman from each geo-political Zone of the Country nominated by the Zonal Committee for consideration, and subsequent recommendation by the National Working Committee to the National Executive Committee for approval; Any other person(s) nominated by the National Working Committee and approved by the National Executive Committee to represent identified interests. Qualification/Eligibility for Membership Pursuant to Article 12.2 (A) above, a registered party member shall be eligible for appointment into the Board of Trustees if he or she: Has not been Convicted by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction for an offence involving or dishonesty; He/She has not been adjudged to be a lunatic or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind Under any Law in force in any part of Nigeria; He/She has not been adjudged or declared bankrupt; Has not been dismissed from Public Service of the Federation; State and Local Government Area/Area Council or impeached/removed from public office. He/She is a person of proven integrity, impeccable character and verifiable track record of service to humanity in the Country, 12.3 National Executive Committee There shall be a National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party consisting of: National Chairman Deputy National Chairman (North) Deputy National Chairman (South) National Secretary Deputy National Secretary Six National Vice Chairmen, one from each Geo political zone of the Country (to be also known as Zonal Chairmen) National Legal Adviser; Deputy National Legal Adviser National Treasurer; Deputy National Treasurer; National Financial Secretary; Deputy National National Organizing Secretary; Deputy National Organizing Secretary; National Publicity Secretary; Deputy National Publicity Secretary National Welfare Secretary Deputy National Welfare Secretary National Auditor Deputy National Auditor National Women Leader Deputy National Women Leader National Youth Leader Deputy National Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader Zonal Secretary Zonal Youth Leader Zonal Organizing Secretary Zonal Women Leader States’ Chairmen of the Party The President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the Party President of the Senate and Deputy President of the Senate who are members of the Party Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who are members of the Party Governors of the States of the Federation who are members of the Party Majority or Minority Leader, Party Whip and their Deputies in the Senate and House of Representatives who are Members of the Party Two serving Senators from each geo-political zone of the country, who are members of the Party, to be nominated by the Senators from such zone Three members of the House of Representatives from each geo-political zone of the country who are members of the Party to be nominated by members from such zone Six Ex-Officio members, of whom, one each shall be elected by the National Convention from each of the six geo-political zones of the Country; Serving Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BOT). 12.4 National Working Committee There shall be a National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party consisting of: National Chairman Deputy National chairman (North) Deputy National Chairman (South) National Secretary Deputy National Secretary Six (6) National Vice Chairmen, one from each geo-political zones of the Country (to be also known as Zonal Chairmen) National Legal Adviser National Treasurer National Financial Secretary National Organizing Secretary National Welfare Secretary National Publicity Secretary National Auditor National Women Leader National Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader 12.5 National Caucus There shall be a National Caucus of the Party consisting of National Chairman Deputy National chairman (North) Deputy National Chairman (South) National Secretary National Legal Adviser National Treasurer National Organizing Secretary National Women Leader National Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader Past and Present Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the Party; Current Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates of the Party; Past and Present Senate Presidents and Deputy Senate Presidents who are members of the Party Present and past Speakers of the House of Representatives and Deputy Speakers who are members of the Party Serving Majority or Minority Leader, Whips and their Deputies in the Senate and House of Representatives who are members of the Party; Past and present Governors of the States of the Federation, who are members of the Party; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who is a member of the Party; Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Secretary of Board of Trustees of the Party; Former National Chairmen and National Secretaries of the Party who are members of the Party; Such other members as may be co-opted or appointed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) 12.6 The Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) There shall be for each of the six geo-political zones of the country, a Zonal Executive Committee consisting of: Zonal Chairman (National Vice Chairman) Zonal Secretary Zonal Legal Adviser Zonal Organizing Secretary Zonal Publicity Secretary Zonal Women Leader Zonal Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader All States’ Chairmen from the zone The President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the party from the zone Past and present Governors and Deputy Governors of the States within the zone who are members of the Party. All members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) from the zone; All serving and past members of the National Assembly who are members of the Party from the zone; All serving and past Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly who are members of the party from the zone. All members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) from the zone All members of the National Caucus from the zone 12.7 The State Congress There shall be for each state Chapter of the Party, State Congress Consisting of: Members of Board of Trustees from the State; State Chairman and Members of the State Executive Committee; State Governor and Deputy Governor who are members of the Party All serving and past Members of the National Assembly who are members of the Party from the States All Members of the National Executive Committee from the State; All serving and past members of the State Houses of Assembly who are members of the Party from the State; All elected Local Government Areas/Area Councils Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen who are members of the Party; All elected Councilors of Local Government Areas/ Area Councils who are members of the Party from the State; Chairmen and Secretaries of the Party in the Local Government Areas of the State/ Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Five delegates per ward (at least, one of whom shall be a woman); elected at the Ward Congress who shall cease to function after the conclusion of the State Congress for which they were elected. Members of the Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) from the State; All Political Office Holders if not elected as delegates may attend as Observers. 12.8 The State Executive Committee (SEC) There shall be for each State Chapter of the Party a State Executive Committee (SEC) consisting of: State Chairman Deputy State Chairman. State Secretary State Assistant Secretary Three Zonal Vice Chairmen (one from each Senatorial District) State Legal Adviser. State Assistant Legal Adviser State Treasurer State Assistant Treasurer State Financial Secretary. State Assistant Financial Secretary State Organizing Secretary State Assistant Organizing Secretary State Publicity Secretary State Assistant Publicity Secretary State Welfare Secretary State Assistant Welfare Secretary State Auditor State Assistant Auditor State Women Leader State Assistant Women Leader State Youth Leader State Assistant Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader Senatorial Youth Leader Senatorial Women Leader Four Ex-.Officio members (at least one of whom shall be a woman and at least one from each Senatorial District of the State) Governor and Deputy Governor of the state who are members of the Party. Speaker, Deputy Speaker and other Principal Officers of the House of Assembly who are members of the Party. All other Statutory Members of the National Convention from the State. 12.9 The State Caucus There shall be for each State Chapter of the Party, a State Caucus consisting of: Serving and past State Party Chairmen of the Party; Serving and past State Party Deputy Chairman of the Party; Serving and past State Secretaries of the Party; Serving and past State Governors and Deputy Governors who are members of the Party; Current Gubernatorial and Deputy Gubernatorial Candidates of the Party; Serving and past members of the National Assembly who are members of the party; Principal Officers of the State House of Assembly who are members of the Party; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who is a member of the Party; State Party Treasurer; State Women Leader; State Youth Leader; Special (Physically Challenged) Leader; State Party Legal Adviser; Past Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the State House of Assembly who are members of the Party; All members of National and Zonal Executive Committees from the State. All National and Zonal Caucus members from the state. Such other members not exceeding six (two from each senatorial District of the State) as may be co-opted or appointed by the State Executive Committee. 12.10 The State Working Committee There shall be for each State Chapter of the Party a State Working Committee (SWC) consisting of: State Chairman Deputy State Chairman State Secretary State Assistant Secretary 3 Vice Chairmen (one from each Senatorial District) State Legal Adviser State Treasurer State Financial Secretary State Organizing Secretary State Publicity Secretary State Welfare Secretary State Auditor State Women Leader State Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader 12.11 Senatorial District Committee There shall be for each of the Three Senatorial Districts of a state, a Senatorial District Committee consisting of: Senatorial District Chairman (State Vice Chairman) Senatorial District Secretary Senatorial District Legal Adviser Senatorial District Organizing Secretary Senatorial District Publicity Secretary Senatorial District Women Leader Senatorial District Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader All Local Government Area/Area Council Party Chairmen from the Senatorial District The Governor and the Deputy Governor of the state elected on the platform of the Party from the Senatorial District Past and present Local Government Council/Area Council Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen within the Senatorial District who are elected on the platform of the Party. All members of the National and State Executive Committees of the Party from the Senatorial District All serving and past Members of the National and State Assembly from the Senatorial District who are members of the Party; All members of the BOT from the Senatorial District All members of the National Caucus from the Senatorial District 12.12 The Local Government Area and Area Council Congress There shall be for each Local Government Area and Area Council Chapters of the Party, a Local Government Area/Area Council Congress consisting of: All Members of the Local Government Area/Area Council Executive Committee; All Members of the Ward Executive Committee in the Local Government Area/Area Council Chairmen and Councilors of the Local Government/ Area Council who are Members of the Party; Five Delegates, at least one of whom shall be a woman, from each Ward of the Local Government Area/Area Council ejected at the Ward Congress who shall cease to function after the Local 4`Government Area/Area Council Congress for which they were elected. All statutory Members of the State Congress from the Local, Government Area/Area Council. 12.13 The Local Government Area Executives Committee There shall be for each Local Government Area and Area Council Chapters of the Party, a Local Government Area and Area Council Executive Committee consisting of: Local Government Area/Area Council Party Chairman Local Government Area/Area Council Deputy Party Chairman All Ward Party Chairmen in the Local Government Area/Area Council Local Government Area/Area Council Party Secretary Local Government Area! Area Council Assistant Party Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Legal Adviser Local Government/Area Council Assistant Party Legal Adviser Local Government Area/Area Council Party Treasurer Local Government Area/Area Council Assistant Party Treasurer. Local Government Area/Area Council Party Financial Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Assistant Financial Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Publicity Secretary Local Government/Area Council Party Assistant Publicity Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Welfare Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Assistant Welfare Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Organizing Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Assistant Organizing Secretary Local Government Area/Area Council Party Auditor Local Government/Area Council Party Assistant Auditor Local Government Area/Area Council Party Women Leader Local Government Area/Area Council Party Assistant Women Leader Local Government Area/Area Council Party Youth Leader Local Government Area/Area Council Party Assistant Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader Four Ex-officio Members elected by the Congress (one of whom shall be a woman) All members of the State Executive Committee who are from the Local Government Area/Area Council. 12.14 The Local Government Area/Area Council Caucus There shall be for each Local Government Area/ Area Council Chapter of the Party, a Local Government Area and Area Council Caucus consisting of: Local Government Area/Area Council Party Chairman Local Government Area/Area Council Party Vice Chairman Local Government Area Council/Area Council Chairman and Deputy Chairman who are Members of the Party Current Local Government Council/Area Council Chairmanship and Deputy Chairmanship Candidates of the Party Local Government Area/Area Council Party Secretary; Local Government Area/Area Council Councilors who are Members of the Party; Local Government Area/Area Council Party Treasurer All Ward Party Chairmen Local Government Area/Area Council Women Leader Local Government Area/Area Council Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader Such other members not exceeding six (spread equitably across the Wards) as may be co opted or appointed by the Local Government Area/Area Council Executive Committee of the Party; All statutory members of the State Caucus from the Local Government Area/Area Council. 12.15. The Ward Congress The Ward Congress shall comprise all Officers and registered Members of the Party in the Ward. The Ward Congress shall be Summoned by the Ward Executive Committee from time to time as may be required. 12.16. The Ward Executive Committee There shall be for each Ward Chapter of the Party a Ward Executive Committee consisting of: Ward Chairman Ward Vice Chairman Ward Secretary Ward Assistant Secretary Ward Legal Adviser Ward Assistant Legal Adviser Ward Treasurer Ward Assistant Treasurer Ward Financial Secretary Ward Assistant Financial Secretary Ward Organizing Secretary Ward Assistant Organizing Secretary Ward Publicity Secretary Ward Assistant Publicity Secretary Ward Welfare Secretary Ward Assistant Welfare Secretary Ward Women Leader Ward Assistant Women Leader Ward Youth Leader Ward Assistant Youth Leader Special (Physically Challenged) Leader Ward Auditor Ward Assistant Auditor Councilor of the Ward who is a Member of the Party Four Ex-Officio members elected at Ward Congress (one of whom shall be a woman) 12.17 The Polling Unit Committee There shall be in each Polling Unit, a Polling Unit Committee Consisting of: Polling Unit Chairman Polling Unit Deputy Chairman Polling Unit Secretary Polling Unit Assistant Secretary Polling Unit Treasurer Polling Unit Assistant Treasurer Polling Unit Women Mobilizer Polling Unit Assistant Women Mobilizer Polling Unit Youth Mobilizer Special (Physically Challenged) Mobilizer All Members of the National, State, Local Government Area! Area Council and Ward Executive Committee from the Polling Unit. ARTICLE 13 POWERS OF PARTY ORGANS National Convention: The final authority of the Party shall rest with the National Convention which shall have the powers to: Ratify policies and programmes of the Party; Elect or remove the national officers of the Party; Elect the Presidential Candidate of the Party; Receive reports from the National Executive Committee and from any other Committee and or organ of the Party; and take appropriate decisions on the reports and or recommendations; Amend the Constitution of the Party from time to time as the need may arise; Delegate any of its powers to the Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee or to any other organ of the Party; Take any action as may be conducive to the promotion of the aims and objectives of the Party as laid down in this Constitution; Appoint External Auditors to audit the Party’s accounts for its consideration; Exercise such other powers and authority as are vested in it by this Constitution; Ratify the minimum rate of annual subscription to be paid by Members and the proportion of income from subscriptions to be remitted to the National Office of the Party, 13.2 Board of Trustees Powers and Tenure POWERS The Board of Trustees shall: Be the embodiment of the Conscience, the soul and the sanctity of the Party and shall be the mirror of the highest standard of morality in the Party and shall intervene in all disputes and crisis in the Party to ensure its stability at all times; Hold all the properties of the Party in trust for the Party and shall serve as custodian of such assets; Advise on, and when Considered necessary initiate policies for the guidance of the Party; Act as Arbitrators and Mediators in disputes and ensure the enforcement of discipline in accordance with the Constitution of the Party; Promote reconciliation encourage and facilitate the settlement of disputes in an amicable manner among members of the Party. Ensure that peace and tranquility prevail in the Party and when necessary intervene to restore absolute peace; Convene the National Convention of the Party with the concurrence of two thirds (2/3) of its membership, where there is any situation that prevents the National Executive Committee from functioning; Regulate its own proceedings and shall draw up a Code of Conduct for its members and public/Party Office Holders to observer; Perform any other functions assigned to it by the National Convention; Elect its Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary and other officers as it deems necessary, and formulate its own Rules and procedures to regulate its meetings and activities; Have powers to delegate any of its functions to its Committee(s) or any other organ of the Party; TENURE The Board of Trustees shall be in office for a period of four (4) years subject to renewal for another four years. The Chairman of Board of Trustees shall hold office for a non-renewable period of two (2) years after which the Office shall devolve to another geo- political Zone of the Country provided that the Chairman shall not come from the same Zone where the President and or the National Chairman of the Party comes from, In the event of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Board, it shall be filled by the National Executive Committee on the recommendation of the State Executive Committee from where the vacancy arose, through the National Working Committee. 13.3 National Executive Committee The National Executive Committee of the Party shall be the Principal Executive body of the Party and shall perform the following functions: Summon or convene the National Convention and prepare its agenda; Discharge all functions of the National Convention as constituted in between National Conventions; Decision of the National Executive Committee shall be binding on all organs and all, members of the Party, except the National Convention; Consider reports from National, State and Local Government Area/Area Councils Chapters of the Party and take such decisions as are necessary to protect, advance, and consolidate the gains and interests of the Party; Exercise control and take disciplinary actions on all organs, officers and members of The Party and determine appeals brought before it by any member or organ of the Party; Create, elect and appoint any Committee it may deem necessary, desirable or expedient and assign to them such Powers and functions as it may deem fit and Proper; Examine the actions taken or legislation proposed or passed by any Government, Legislative House or Local Government Area/Area Council and determine what further actions the Party should take; Secure at all elections the return of as many Party candidates as Possible, so as to generally have control of the Legislative and Executive arms of Governments in the Federation, States and Local Government Areas/Area Council Raise adequate funds for the management and sustenance of the Party; Ratify the type, nature and membership of Standing Committees to be set up by the National Working Committee; Approve the national budget of the Party; The National Executive Council shall have the power to set up a caretaker committee in place of any organ that there exists in the opinion of the National Working Committee a lacunae by virtue of any act or omission done in furtherance of this Constitution. 13.4 The National Working Committee The National Working Committee shall be responsible for the Administration of the Party and putting into effect the decisions of the National Executive Committee. To that end, the National Working Committee shall carry out the day to day running of the affairs of the Party. It shall in particular: Prepare the agenda for the National Convention subject to ratification by the National Executive Committee. Prepare and submit reports and budgets for consideration of the National Convention subject to the ratification of the National Executive Committee; provide financial guidelines for the approval of the National Convention subject to the ratification of the National Executive Committee Propose policies and programmes for the Party, which shall be considered by the National Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees; Propose to the National Executive Committee, Party electoral Regulations, to govern the conduct of elections to all Party offices at every level and to govern the Procedure for selecting Party candidates for elective offices, subject to the provisions of this Constitution; Invite such person(s) as it deems necessary, desirable or expedient, to attend meeting(s) and take part in deliberations provided that such invited person(s) shall have no voting right; Have power to make Standing Orders for the approval of the National Executive Committee and ratification by the Board of Trustees; Deal with any other matters referred to it by the National Executive Committee or the Board of Trustees; Deal with appeals and other problems referred to it by the State Working Committee, and or coming from the zones and states of the Federation; Establish Ad-hoc and, or Standing Committees of the Party and appoint members to such Committees; Examine the actions, policies and programmes pursued and legislations made by the Governments of the Federation from time to time in order to determine whether or not they are in accordance with the manifesto and the Constitution of Party and if not to make recommendations to the National Executive Committee for its action; Recommend for approval by the National Executive Committee, the proportion of income from subscription from each Ward, Local Government Area/Area Council and States that shall be remitted to the National Office. Nominate for appointment, Members of Board of Trustees for the ratification of the National Executive Committee. Organize Primary Election for the nomination of its Presidential Candidates, Governorship Candidates and Candidates for election into the National and State Assemblies. Subject to the approval of the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee may in special circumstances grant a waiver to a person not otherwise qualified under Article 31 of this Constitution if in its opinion, such a waiver is in the best interest of the Party. The National Working Committee shall have power to set up a caretaker committee in place of any organ that there exists in the opinion of the National Working Committee a lacunae by virtue of any act or omission done in furtherance of this constitution. Such caretaker committee so set up shall have a defined tenure of 90 days and renewable upon a further review by the National Executive Committee for another 90 days 13.5 Zonal Executive Committee The Zonal Executive Committee shall meet to transact any or all of the following: Represent the National Executive Committee in the Zone and assist in resolving all political and organizational matters affecting the Zone. Coordinate Party activities at the Zonal level. Guide and advise the State Executive Committees on ways and means of strengthening the Party within the Zones. Perform such other advisory and consultative functions as may he assigned by the National Executive Committee. 13.6 State Congress The State Congress shall Approve the budget of the Party in the State. Elect officers of the State Executive Committee. Receive reports of the Officers of the Party. Receive and consider the Auditors Report. Delegate any of its powers to the State Executive Committee or State Working Committee. 13.7 State Executive Committee The State Executive Committee shall: Identify the issues (political, social and economic) of concern to the State, Generally administer the Party in the State and implement the decisions of the State Congress or directives from the National Executive Committee and the National Convention Prepare for ratification by the State Congress the annual budget. Prepare the agenda of the State Congress. Consider Reports from Local Government Area Chapters of the Party and take such decisions that are necessary to protect, advance and Consolidate the gains and interest of the Party within the State Exercise control and take disciplinary actions on all organs, officers and members of the Party and determine appeals brought before it by any member or organ of the Party with in the State. Create, elect and appoint any Committee(s) it may deem necessary, desirable or expedient and assign to them such powers and function as it may deem fit and proper within the State provided that the functions of such Committee(s) shall not conflict with any Committee(s) set up by the National Executive Committee or the National Working Committee. Secure at all elections the return of as many Party Candidates as possible so as to generally have control of the Legislative and Executive arms of Governments within the State. Raise adequate funds for the management and sustenance of the Party within the State. 13.8 The State Working Committee The State Working Committee shall be responsible for the Administration of the Party and putting into effect the decisions of the State Executive Committee. To that end, the State Working Committee shall carry out the day-to-day running of the affairs of the Party. It shall: Prepare the agenda for the State Congress subject to ratification by the State Executive Committee Prepare and submit reports and budgets for consideration of the State Congress subject to the ratification of the State Executive Committee; Deal with appeals and other problems referred to it by the Local Government Area Working Committee and or coming from the Senatorial Districts and Wards of the State; Invite such person(s) as it deems necessary, desirable or expedient, to attend meeting(s) and take part in deliberations provided that such invited person(s) shall have no voting right; Deal with any other matters referred to it by the State Executive Committee or the State Congress; Establish Ad-hoc and, or Standing Committees of the Party and appoint members to such Committees within the State, provided that such Committees shall not conflict with the Committees set up by the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee respectively; Examine the actions, policies, legislations and programmes made and pursued by the Local Government Areas of the State and Area Councils from time to time, in order to determine whether or not they are in accordance with the manifesto and the Constitution of Party, and if not to make recommendations to the State Executive Committee for its action; Organize Primary Elections for the nomination of Local Government Area Chairmanship Candidates Vice Chairmanship Candidates and Councilors for election into the Local Government Council/ Area Council, in accordance with guidelines approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) 13.9 Senatorial District Committee The Senatorial District Committee shall meet to transact any or all of the following: Represent the State Executive Committee in the District and assist in resolving all political and organization matters affecting the District, Coordinate Party activities at the District level. Guide and advise the State Executive Committee on ways and means of strengthening the Party with in the District. Perform such other advisory and consultative functions as may be assigned by the State Executive Committee, 13.10 The Local Government Area Congress The Local Government Area Congress Shall Elect Members of the Local Government Area/Area Council Executive Committee of the Party. Elect Local Government Party Delegates to the State Congress and the National Convention. Approve the budgets for the running of the Party at the Local Government Area! Area Council Levels. Receive Auditors Report. 13.11 The Local Government Area Executive Committee shall Identify the main issues, (political, social and economic) of concern to the Party in the Local Government Area/Area Council. Receive the reports from the Constituent Wards on; Membership drive Fund Raising activities Strategies for political campaigns electoral success. Mobilization of voters. Receive directives and materials and distribute same to all Wards and ensure their effective utilization, Provide strategies for effective communication between the Wards and the Local Government Areas/Area Councils. Be responsible for the general administration of the Party in Local Government Area/Area Councils. Put into effect decisions of Government Area/Area Council Congresses and other organs of the party Employ and determine the conditions of service (including discipline) of all Secretariat staff of the Party in the Local Government Area/Area Council. 13.12 The Ward Congress The Ward Congress shall Approve the budget for the Ward, Elect members of the Ward Executive Committee. Elect Ward delegates to the Local Government Area/Area Council and State Party Congress. Receive reports from the officers of the Ward. Undertake any other business in the interest of the Party within the Ward 13.13 The Ward Executive Committee The Ward Executive Committee shall See to the day-to-day running of the Party. Raise funds for the day-to-day running of the Party and other functions, Engage in membership drive Draw up strategies for political campaign. See to the mobilization of voters. Put into effect decisions of Ward Congresses and other organs of the Party. Perform such other functions as may be in the interest of the Party 13.14: Polling Unit Committee The Polling Unit Committee shall: Be responsible for ensuring the success of the Party at all elections. Carry out such assignments as may be given by the Ward Executive Committee. ARTICLE 14: POWERS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS 14.1 National Chairman The National Chairman shall: Be the Chief Executive, Accounting Officer and shall preside over the meetings of the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee of the Party; Provide good and effective leadership to the Party; Uphold the Constitution and defend the name, policies and programmes of the Party; Be a signatory to the accounts of the Party; Direct the due execution of the programmes of the Party; Give lawful directives to all officers, organs, and members of the Party at all levels; Have a casting vote in the event of a tie in the meetings of the Party over which he presides; Ensure the implementation of the directives of all superior organs of the Party, namely the National Convention, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee and the National Caucus; Perform such other functions as may be assigned to him from time to time by the National Convention, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee and/or the National Working Committee. 14.2 Deputy National Chairmen, North/South The Deputy National Chairmen shall: Assist the National Chairman in the discharge of his duties. Perform such functions as may be assigned to him, from time to time by the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his Zone. 14.3 National Secretary The National Secretary shall: Supervise the day-to-day activities at the National Secretariat under the general direction of the National Chairman. Cause to be issued as directed, notices of meetings of the National Convention, the National Executive Committee and tie National Working Committee of the Party. Cause to be kept all records and books of proceedings of the National Convention, the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee of the Party; Render a written annual report of the activities of the Party to the National Executive Committee; Carry out any other duty as may be assigned to him from time to time by the National Convention, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, the National Caucus, the National Working Committee, and the National Chairman; Be a co-signatory to the Party’s Account(s). Serve as the Secretary of all statutory meetings of the Party, which he attends. 14.4 Deputy National Secretary The Deputy National Secretary shall: Act for -the National Secretary in his absence. Assist the National Secretary in the discharge of his duties, Perform such functions as may be assigned to him from time to time by the National Secret
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 12:25:46 +0000