New members get waivers as APC releases timetable, guidelines

By LEO SOBECHI

All persons aspiring for offices at the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses scheduled for July 31, 2021, must show evidence of financial membership.

Also, those vying for the post of youth leader must not be below 18 or above 35 years, just as all new entrants to the party have been granted waivers, especially those who applied for such, including returning officers at the ward, local, and state levels.

The conditions were contained in the current timetable and guidelines released by the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

In the timetable and guidelines, signed by Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, secretary to the CECPC, APC explained that the waivers were granted “in line with the provision of Article 13 (4) xv, provided that no officer elected in this exercise shall serve in the same capacity beyond the maximum term prescribed in Article 17 I & ii of the APC Constitution (as Amended).”

The party disclosed that a member who started or continued with litigation against the party after the directives of the National Executive Committee (NEC) is not eligible to vote or be voted for in the respective congresses.

“Without prejudice to these guidelines, all aspirants with valid court judgments(s) with respect to previous forms purchased are eligible to participate in the exercise,” the guideline stated.

According to the approved schedule of activities and guidelines for the conduct of the nationwide ward congresses scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 2021, “purchase of nomination forms for Ward, Local Government/Area Councils and State Congresses will take place from July 19 to August 28, 2021.”

The party stated: “Screening of aspirants for the ward party positions is scheduled for July 29 to July 30, 2021. Ward congresses will hold July 31, 2021. Appeals arising from ward congresses will hold August 2 to August 7, 2021.” (Adopted from The Guardian)

•File: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun (left); Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chairmanship Candidate Agboyi-Ketu LCDA Lagos, Mayor Oshinowo during the official flag-off of campaigns for the Local Government Elections at APC Secretariat in Lagos, recently