Concerned Plateau APC PRO Vanguard on Monday faulted the Press release by the All Progressive Congress APC Acting Secretary Shittu Bamaiyi on the purportedly lifting of the suspension of Hon. Nancwat Bendel from the Party.
A statement signed by Pirfa Lohnan Danladi, the Group secretary made available to newsmen in Jos reads that the press statement issued on December 23, 2024, by the APC acting State Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, purportedly lifting the suspension of Hon. Nancwat Bendel from the party, is a clear violation of the APC Constitution and established party protocols.
The statement further reads that ” Article 21 of the APC Constitution is unequivocal on matters of suspension,It grants exclusive authority to the ward party officials to suspend or lift suspensions of party members, with the Local Government and State party structures only empowered to affirm such decisions.
According to the statement ” The procedure followed in the suspension of Hon. Nancwat Bendel adhered to these constitutional provisions, with her suspension initiated at the ward level and affirmed by both the Local Government and State levels.”
They added that ” It is therefore alarming and unconstitutional for Mr. Bamaiyi to unilaterally announce the lifting of the suspension without due consultation or recourse to the ward party officials who initiated the disciplinary action. “
The statement also alleged that “This action not only undermines the constitutional framework of the APC but also sets a dangerous precedent of disregard for grassroots participation, which is the bedrock of our party.””
The group added that ” We must recall the case of the former National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, whose suspension by his ward was upheld despite his high office, emphasizing that no member is above the party’s constitution. “This principle of equality and adherence to due process must be upheld at all levels of the party.”
The starment also added that ” In addition to this breach, it is pertinent to address the glaring irregularities in the APC’s leadership structure. “
The unfortunate demise of the former State Public Relations Officer (PRO) created a vacancy that should have been filled in accordance with constitutional provisions. Specifically, the State PRO II ought to have assumed the position in an acting capacity pending the conduct of an election.”
The appointment of Shittu Bamaiyi as acting PRO, therefore, is not only unconstitutional but also undermines internal party democracy.”, they added.
“We call on the State Party Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, and other members of the State Executive Committee to address these issues urgently. “
“The credibility and unity of our party depend on strict adherence to its constitution and respect for established processes.”
” Any actions taken outside these provisions will only weaken the trust of our members and the public in the party’s leadership as the constitution allows for an appointment in a position where there is an elected Official., the group added.
The APC must remain committed to internal democracy, fairness, and transparency. We urge the leadership to correct these anomalies and restore confidence in our party structures, the statement further added.