PREAMBLE
WE, patriotic and progressively minded Nigerians
COMMITTED to the national unity territorial integrity and sovereign
Independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria conscious of the
need to save ourselves and succeeding generations of Nigerians from
poverty, want, ignorance, corruption, and exploitation, which have
constituted stumbling blocks to our national development, political,
economic and progressive;
RESOLVED to render selfless service and rekindle in all Nigerians
a deep sense of patriotism and nationalism;
AND FURTHER RESOLVED to form an effective and virile progressive
political platform for the better articulation and realization of
these ideals;
DO HEREBY make, ADOPT AND GIVE to ourselves the following Constitution.
ARTICLE
1
NAME OF THE PARTY:
There shall be a Political Party, called, addressed and known as
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), hereinafter referred to
as “the party”.
ARTICLE
2
MOTTO:
The Motto shall be “BE YOUR BROTHER’S KEEPER”.
ARTICLE 3
FLAG/SYMBOL:
The colours of the Party flag shall be Green, Yellow and White.
The symbol/emblem of the Party shall be a red cockerel on a yellow
background standing atop the acronym APGA
ARTICLE 4
SUPREMACY OF THE PARTY CONSTITUTION:
Subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria 1999 and any other law for the time being in force, in
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the provisions of this constitution
shall take precedence over and above any other rules or regulations
of the party and, where any rule, regulation or any other enactment
of the Party is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution,
such an enactment is to the extent of its inconsistency null and
void and of no effect.
ARTICLE 5
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
The party’s registered office/national secretariat shall be
located at Abuja the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
ARTICLE
6
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
(a) To establish a political nation, governed under the rule of
law, justice, equity, transparency, and good governance.
(b) To pursue the principles of integrity, credibility and consistency
in all aspect of our National life.
(c) To canvass for membership all over the country and solicit for
electoral support for the attainment of political power.
(d) To ensure the complete eradication of politics of bitterness
and rancor, but shall pursue peace with all men.
(e) To promote the emergence of only worthy and credible candidates
to contest elections on the party’s platform at all levels.
(f) To promote revenue allocation formula that will encourage every
state of Nigeria to explore and exploit its comparative advantage
for the general welfare of all Nigerians and the growth of our national
economy.
(g) To ensure the provisions of employment opportunities through
the encouragement of growth of small and large scale industries
in a deregulated economy.
(h) To create a Nigerian society where all law abiding citizens
shall have equal opportunity in the pursuit of happiness.
(i) To uphold the Beijing declaration on affirmative action for
women.
(j) To engage in other related ancillary, corollary and dependent
actions that will further the collective group interest of the peoples
of Nigeria.
(k) To promote the co-existence of the different religions, tradition
and cultural heritage of the individual communities of our nation.
(l) To ensure institutionalization of meritocracy, justice, equity,
accountability, citizenship rights, resource control and true federalism.
(m) To ensure the preservation of the environment and fight degradation
and pollution.
(n) To fight against the monetization of our polity.
(o) To promote national dialogue to give every section of Nigeria
a true sense of belonging, through the establishment of true Federalism;
(p) To establish conditions and an environment under which Nigerians
will practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another
as good neighbours, and work together to build a new nation which
will guarantee social justice, equal opportunity for all, mutual
respect and understanding, and elimination of all forms of discrimination
among our people;
ARTICLE 7
MEMBERSHIP:
(1)Conditions for Membership
Membership of the party shall be open to all Nigerians, irrespective
of their religion, ethnic group, place of birth, gender, social
and economic status, provided that:
(a) The person is at least18 years of age.
(b) The person is not a member of another political party or if
he/she was such a member, has resigned such membership and shall
show evidence of his/her resignation
(c) The person shall not be a serving Public Officer, a member of
the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Police or a Traditional Ruler.
(d) Application for membership shall be on individual basis.
(e)A prospective member shall register at the Ward he ordinarily
resides in or his Ward of origin.
(2) Membership Rules and Obligations
(a) Members of the Party shall be obligated to affirm the Party’s
aims and objectives and conduct themselves in a manner that shall
not bring the Party to public odium and disrespect. Shall also observe
the rules and regulations embedded in this constitution.
(b) Members shall pay all dues, levies as they may be demanded by
any organ of the Party authorised to do so.
(c) Members are obliged to participate in the activities of the
party e.g. election campaigns, rallies, fund raising functions and
meetings.
(d) Every member shall possess a membership card.
(3) Rights and Privileges of Membership
(a) A fully registered and financially up-to-date member of the
party shall have the right to vote and be voted for into any of
the elective positions of the Party.
(b) A member shall enjoy all the privileges of the Party and shall
be entitled to be appointed to any committee of the party on the
approval of the Executive Committee of the Party at that level
(4) Register of Members
A register of members shall be kept and maintained at every level
of the Party’s Secretariat, namely, Ward, Local Government
Area, State and National, provided always that every such level
of the Party shall update its membership records from time to time.
It shall be the responsibility of a member to ensure that his/her
name is duly entered in the Ward Register.
(5) Termination of Membership
(a) Membership of the Party shall be terminated by death, resignation
or expulsion.
(b) Upon resignation or expulsion, a member shall be legally obliged
to return to the party all its properties in his/her possession.
(c) Upon the death of a member, his/her next-of-kin shall be similarly
obliged.
ARTICLE 8
PARTY ORGANIZATION:
There shall be five (5) levels of Party organization, namely,
i. Ward
ii. Local Government Area
iii. State
iv. Zonal
v. National
The organisational structure at the state level shall also apply
mutatis mutandis to the Wards and Area Councils of the Federal Capital
Territory, Abuja as if it were a state.
ARTICLE
9
(1) PRINCIPAL ORGANS OF THE PARTY
i. National Convention
ii. National Executive Committee
iii. Zonal Supervisory Committee
iv. State Congress
v. State Executive Committee
vi. Local Government Congress
vii.The Local Government Area Committee
viii. The Ward Congress
ix. The Ward Executive Committee
(b) Each Executive Committee shall implement the policies of and
shall be accountable and report to the Congress or Convention of
its level.
(c) In all respects, party hierarchy shall ascend correspondingly
from the Ward to the National Level
(d) Each Executive Committee shall have a standing sub-committee
to be known as the Working Committee whose composition and functions
shall be as spelt out in this constitution
(e) The above principal organs shall have power to set up standing
and ad-hoc committees for their respective purposes.
OTHER PARTY ORGANS
(i) Board of Trustees
(ii) National Caucus
(iii) Zonal Caucus
(iv) State Caucus
(v) Local Government Area Caucus
ARTICLE 10
COMPOSITION OF ORGANS
The party organs listed above shall be composed as follows:-
(1) National Convention
(i) The National Chairman and all members of the National Executive
Committee
(ii) Members of the Board of Trustees
(iii) The President and the Vice President if produced by the party
(iv) Governors and Deputy governors of the party
(v) All Ministers, Ambassadors, Special Advisers and Special Assistants
to the President who are members of the Party
(vi) State Commissioners and Special Advisers to the Governors produced
by the party
(vii) Members of the National and State Assemblies produced by the
party
(viii) Members of the State Executive Committee (including that
of FCT)
(ix) All Party Chairmen of the Local Government Areas
(x) All Local Government Council Chairmen produced by the Party
(xi) 30 Delegates from each of the six geo-political zones in the
country
(xii) Two representatives elected by the party in the Federal Capital
Territory for the purpose of the Congress.
(2) National Executive Committee
(i) National Chairman
(ii) Deputy National Chairman – South
(iii) Deputy National Chairman – North
(iv) 6 Vice National Chairmen (Representing the Zones)
(v) National Secretary
(vi) Deputy National Secretary
(vii) 6 Assistant National Secretaries
(viii) National Treasurer
(ix) Deputy National Treasurer
(x) 6 Assistant National Treasurers
(xi) Deputy National Financial Secretary
(xii) 6 Assistant National Financial Secretaries
(xiii) National Publicity Secretary
(xiv) Deputy National Publicity Secretary
(xv) 6 Assistant National Publicity Secretaries
(xvi) National Legal Adviser
(xvii) Deputy National Legal Adviser
(xviii) 6 Assistant National Legal Advisers
(xix) National Welfare Secretary
(xx) Deputy National Welfare Secretary
(xxi) 6 Assistant National Welfare Secretaries
(xxii) National Organising Secretary
(xxiii) Deputy National Organising Secretary
(xxiv) 6 Assistant National Organising Secretaries
(xxv) 6 Ex-Officio members (one from each Zone)
(xxvi) The National Auditor
(xxvii) Deputy National Auditor
(xxviii) 6 Assistant National Auditors
(xxix) National Women Leader
(xxx) Deputy National Women Leader
(xxxi) 6 Assistant National Women Leader
(xxxii) National Youth Leader
(xxxiii) Deputy National Youth Leader
(xxxiv) 6 Assistant National Youth Leaders
(xxxv) State Chairmen of the Party
(xxxvi) The President and the Vice President of the Country if produced
by the Party.
(xxxvii) President and Deputy President of the Senate, the Speaker
and Deputy Speaker produced by the Party in the Senate and House
of Representatives.
(xxxviii) State Governors, Deputy Governors if produced by the Party
(xxxix) Majority or Minority Leader, Party Whip and their Deputies
produced by the Party in the National Assembly.
(3) Zonal Supervisory Committee
(i) National Vice Chairman of the Zone who shall be the
Chairman of the Committee.
(ii) All the Assistant National Officers from the Zone
(iii) State Governors and their Deputies who are members of the
Party.
(iv) National Executive Committee members who are from the Zone.
(v) Members of the National Assembly from the Zone who are members
of the Party.
(vi) State Chairmen and State Secretaries of the Party from the
Zone.
(vii) Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Party Leaders and Whips of the
State House of Assembly from the Zone who are members of the Party.
(viii) Three (3) Ex-Officio members from each of the States in the
Zone.
(4) State Congress
(i) The State Chairman and members of the State Executive
Committee.
(ii) The Governor and Deputy Governor if produced by the party
(iii) The Speaker and Deputy Speaker if produced by the party.
(iv) All members of the National Executive Committee from the State.
(v) All members of the National and State Assemblies who are members
of the Party.
(vi) The Leader and Chief Whip of the Party in the State Assembly
(vii) All Commissioners and Special Advisers to Governors who are
members of the Party.
(viii) All Local Government Council Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen
who are members of the Party.
(ix) Ministers, Ambassadors, Presidential Advisers, and Presidential
Political Special Assistants produced by the Party.
(x) Chairmen and Secretaries of the Party in the Local Government
Area of the State.
(xi) Members of the National Board of Trustees.
(xii) 3 delegates per Ward elected at the Ward Congresses who shall
cease to function after the conclusion of the State Congress for
which they were elected.
(5) State Executive Committee
(i) State Chairman
(ii) Deputy State Chairman
(iii) Three State Vice-Chairmen, one from each Senatorial District
(iv) State Secretary
(v) Assistant State Secretary
(vi) State Treasurer
(vii) Assistant State Treasurer
(viii) State Financial Secretary
(ix) Assistant State Financial Secretary
(x) State Publicity Secretary
(xi) Assistant State Publicity Secretary
(xii) State Legal Adviser
(xiii) Assistant State Legal Adviser
(xiv) State Welfare Secretary
(xv) Assistant State Welfare Secretary
(xvi) State Organising Secretary
(xvii) Assistant State Organising Secretary
(xviii) State Women Leader
(xix) Assistant State Women Leader
(xx) State Youth Leader
(xxi) Assistant State Youth Leader
(xxii) 3 Ex-Officio Members
(xxiii) The State Governor and the Deputy Governor produced by the
Party
(xxiv) The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader, Minority Leader,
Party Whip and their Deputies produced by the Party in the State
House of Assembly
(xxv) The Chairman of the Party in each Local Government Area.
(6) Local Government Area Congress
(i) The Local Government Party Chairman and other members
of the Local Government Area Executive Committee.
(ii) All National and State Executive Committee members of the Party
from the Local Government.
(iii) Local Government Council Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Supervisors
and Councilors who are members of the Party.
(iv) All members of the National and State Assemblies from the Local
Government Area who are members of the Party.
(v) All Commissioners and Special Advisers who are members of the
Party from the Local Government Area.
(vi) All members of the Ward Executive Committee in the Local Government
Area.
(vii) 10 Delegates from each Ward of the Local Government Area elected
at the Ward Congress who shall cease to function after the Local
Government Congress for which they were elected
(7) Local Government Area Executive Committee
(i) Chairman
(ii) Local Government Council Chairman and Deputy Chairman if produced
by the Party.
(iii) Deputy Chairman
(iv) All Ward Chairmen in the Local Government Area
(v) Secretary
(vi) Assistant Secretary
(vii) Treasurer
(viii) Financial Secretary
(ix) Assistant Financial Secretary
(x) Publicity Secretary
(xi) Assistant Publicity Secretary
(xii) Organizing Secretary
(xiii) Assistant Organizing Secretary
(xiv) Auditor
(xv) Legal Adviser
(xvi) 4 Ex-Officio members at least two of whom shall be women
(xvii) Women Leader
(xviii) Youth Leader
(8) Ward Congres
The Ward Congress shall comprise of all officers and registered
members of the Party in the Ward. The Ward Congress shall be summoned
by the Ward Executive at least once in a year.
(9) Ward Executive Committee
(i) Chairman
Councillor of the Ward if produced by the Party
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Financial Secretary
Organizing Secretary
Publicity Secretary
Ward Women Leader
Ward Youth Leader
Five Ex-Officio members elected at Ward Congress, two of whom must
be women.
(10) Board of Trustees
There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of at least 24 members
of unquestionable integrity drawn from the six geopolitical zones
of the country in whom all the movable and immovable properties
of the party shall be vested. The Board shall also include the following:-
(i) All former National Chairmen and National Secretaries of the
Party,
(ii) All former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Republic,
produced by the Party
(iii) All former Presidents of the Nigerian Senate and Speakers
of the House of Representatives, produced by the Party.
(iv) Any such other members of the Party as may from time to time
be nominated by the National Executive Committee and ratified by
the Party’s National Convention.
(11) National Caucus
(i) The National Party Chairman,
(ii) 2 Deputy National Chairmen
(iii) President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if produced by
the Party/Presidential Candidate of the Party
(iv) Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if produced
by the Party/Vice Presidential Candidate of the Party.
(v) Senate President, Deputy Senate President and Senate Leader
if produced by the Party.
(vi) Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, House
Leader if produced by the Party.
(vii) Secretary to the Federal Republic of Nigeria if produced by
the Party
(viii) National Secretary
(ix) Chairman Board of Trustees
(x) National Treasurer
(xi) National Legal Adviser
(xii) Former National Chairmen and National Secretaries of the Party
who are still members of the Party
(xiii) Such other members as may be co-opted or appointed by the
National Chairman in consultation with the National Executive Committee.
(12) State Caucus
(i) State Chairman
(ii) State Deputy Chairman
(iii) State Governor if produced by the party/Gubernatorial Candidate
of the party
(iv) State Deputy Governor if produced by the party/Deputy Gubernatorial
Candidate of the party
(v) Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Leader of the State House Assembly
if produced by the party
(vi) State Secretary
(vii) Secretary to the Government of the State if produced by the
party
(viii) State Treasurer
(ix) State Legal Adviser
(x) Such other members as may be co-opted or appointed by the State
Chairman in consultation with the State Executive Committee.
(13)Local Government Area Caucus
(i) Local Government Area Party Chairman
(ii) Local Government Area Vice Chairman
(iii) Local Government Council Chairman if produced by the party/Chairmanship
Candidate of the party
(iv) Local Government Area Party Secretary
(v) Councillors produced by the party
(vi) Local Government Area Treasurer of the party
(vii) Such other members as may be co-opted or appointed by the
Local Government Area Chairman in consultation with the Local Government
Executive Committee
ARTICLE 11
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTY ORGANS:
(1) National Convention
The final authority of the Party shall rest with the National
Convention which shall have the power to:-
(a) Formulate policies and programmes of the Party
(b) Elect or remove the National Officers of the Party
(c) Receive, debate and ratify reports from the Electoral Nomination
Committee of the Party, and elect the presidential candidate of
the Party.
(d) Demand and receive reports from the National Executive Committee
and from any other Committees and or organs of the Party, and take
appropriate decisions on the reports and or recommendations.
(e) Create, elect and appoint any committees it may deem necessary,
desirable or expedient and assign to them such powers and functions
as it may deem fit and proper.
(f) Examine the actions taken or legislation being proposed or passed
by any government, legislative house, or Local Government Council
and determine what further actions the party should take.
(g) 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.
(h) Consider reports from National, State and Local Government branches
of the Party and take such decisions as are necessary to protect,
advance, and consolidate the gains and interests of the Party.
(i) Raise adequate funds for the management and sustenance of the
Party.
(j) 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.
(k) Ratify the type, nature and membership of standing committees
to be set up by the National Committee.
(l) Review, or amend the Constitution of the Party from time to
time as the need arises.
(m) Delegate any of its powers to the National Executive Committee
or to any other organ of the Party.
(n) Take any action as may be conducive to the promotion of the
aims and objectives of the Party as laid down in this Constitution.
(o) Appoint External Auditors to audit the Party’s Account
for its consideration.
(p) Exercise such other powers and authority as are vested in it
by this Constitution.
(q) Ratify the minimum rate of annual subscription to be paid by
members and proportion of income from subscription to be remitted
to the national Secretariat.
(r)Approve the National Budget of the Party.
(2) National Executive Committee
The National Executive Committee shall be responsible for
the administration of the Party and putting into effect the decisions
of the national Convention. To that end, the National Executive
Committee shall carry out the activities listed hereunder:
(a.) Summon and prepare the agenda for the national Convention.
(b.) Prepare and submit reports and budget for consideration of
the Convention.
(c) Provide financial guidelines for the approval of the National
Convention
(d) Formulate policies and programmes for the Party which shall
be ratified by the National Convention.
(e) Deal with appeals and other problems referred to it by, or coming
from the Zones, and States of the Federation.
(f) Make rules for Party discipline and loyalty which rules shall
be binding on all organs and members of the Party.
(g) Make 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.
(h) Ratify conditions of service of the secretariat staff of the
Party.
(i) Co-opt such persons as it deems necessary, desirable or expedient
to attend its meeting and take part in its deliberations provided
that such co-opted person shall have no voting right.
(j)Have power to make standing orders for the approval of the convention.
(k) Deal with any other matters referred to it by the National Convention
or the Board of Trustees.
(l) Establish ad-hoc and or standing committees of the Party and
appoint members to such committees.
(m) Exercise such other powers and functions as are vested in it
by the Constitution.’
(n) The National Executive Committee shall examine the actions,
policies and programmes pursued and legislation made by the Governments
in the Federation from time to time in order to determine whether
or not they are in accord with the principles, policies, programmes,
aims and objectives of the Party, and the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria and if not, to make recommendation to the national
Convention for its action or take such action as may be necessary.
(o) Raise adequate funds for the management and sustenance of the
Party.
(p) Recommend the minimum rates of annual Subscription payable by
members.
(q) Recommend the proportion of income from subscription each Ward,
Local Government, and State shall remit to the National Secretariat.
(r) Appoint members of the Board of Trustees subject to the ratification
of the Annual Convention.
(s) Decision of the National Executive Committee shall be binding
on all organs and all members, except the National Convention.
(3) Zonal Supervisory Committee
The Zonal Working Committee shall meet to transact any or all of
the following:-
(a.) Co-ordination of policies and operations of the Party within
the Zone.
(b) Liaising with the State and National headquarters.
(4) State Congress
The State Congress shall:
(a.) Approve budget of the Party in the State.
(b) Elect Officers of the State Executive Committee
(c) Organize Primaries for Ward, Local Council and State Assembly
elections.
(d) Receive reports of Officers of the Party
(e.) Receive Auditor’s Report
(5) State Executive Committee
The State Executive Committee shall:
(a.) Identify the main issues, (political, social and economic)
of concern to the State;
(b) Generally administer the Party in the State and impliment the
decisions of the State Congress or directives from the National
Executive Committee and National Convention;
(c) Prepare for ratification by the State Congress the annual budgets;
(d) Prepare the agenda of the State Congress.
(6) Local Government Area Congress
The Local Government Area Congress of the Party shall:
(a) Elect members of the Local Government Executive Committee of
the Party.
(b) Organize primaries for elective offices in the State and National
Elections.
(c) Approve budget for running of the Party at the Local Government
level.
(d) Receive auditor’s report.
(7) Local Government Executive Committee
The Local Government Executive Committee shall:(a.) Identify the
main issues, (political, social and economic) of concern in the
Local Government.
(b) Receive reports from the constituent Wards on:
- Membership drive
- Fund Raising activities
- Strategize for political campaigns and electoral
successes.
- Mobilization of voters.
(c) Receive directives and materials and distribute
same to all Wards and ensure their effective utilization.
(d) Provide strategies for effective communication between the Wards
and the Local Government.
(e) General administration of the party in the Local Government.
(f) Put into effect decisions of the Local Government Congress and
other organs of the party.
(g) Employ and determine the conditions of service (including discipline)
of all secretariat staff of the party in the Local Government Area.
(8) Ward Congress
The Ward Congress shall:
(a.) Approve the budget for the Ward;
(b) Conduct Primaries for Ward elections;
(c) Elect members of the Ward Executive Committee;
(d) Elect Ward delegates to the State Party Congress;
(e) Receive reports of Officers of the Ward;
(f) Any other business as will be in the interest of the Party.
(9) Ward Executive Committee
The Ward Executive Committee shall:
a. 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 will be in the interest of the Party.
(10) National Board of Trustees
(a) The Board of Trustees shall be the conscience of the Party and
ensure the highest standards of morality in all activities of the
Party and call to order any officer(s) of the Party whose conduct
falls below expectation.
(b) The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for feeling the pulse
of the Party to ensure high morale of members and a favourable image
in the eyes of the Nigerian populace.
(c) The Board of Trustees shall harmonize, co-ordinate, review nationwide
and advise, as and when necessary, on policies, programmes and activities
of the Party.
(d) The Assets of the Party shall be vested on the Board who shall
serve as custodian of such Assets.
(e) The Board shall co-ordinate the sourcing of Party funds.
(f) The Board shall mediate in the event of disputes between the
organs of the Party, the Executive and Legislature.
(g) The Board shall carry out all such activities as may be referred
to it by the National Convention.
(h) The Board of Trustees shall give to the National Executive Committee
of the Party, general advice relating to particular matters and
it shall be the duty of the National Executive Committee to consider
the advice.
(i) Notwithstanding the above, the Board shall not take part in
the day-to-day activities of running the Party, at any level.
(j) Members of the Board of Trustees can attend any meeting of any
organ of the Party, except the National Executive Committee, but
shall have no voting rights at any meeting of any of these bodies
except the Board of Trustees meeting and the National Convention.
(k) A Trustee may be removed from office by a resolution at the
Annual Convention on the recommendation of the National Executive
Committee, on grounds of infirmity of mind or misconduct.
(l) A Trustee may resign his membership of the Board by tendering
a letter to that effect to the National Chairman.
(m) In the event of the occurrence of a vacancy on the Board, it
shall be filled by the National Executive Committee subject to ratification
by the National Convention.
(n) The Board of Trustees shall regulate its own proceedings and
shall draw up a Code of Conduct under which the members of the Board
are to operate.
- The Trustees shall be registered under the Companies
and Allied Matters Act of 1990.
- Six (6) of the Trustees, reflecting the Federal
Character of the country, shall be registered along with the Board
and shall be known as the Registered Trustees.
- The Board shall have and shall elect its own
Chairman and Secretary for a period of four years and shall be
eligible for another four years.
(o) A Trustee shall hold office for a period of
four years and shall be eligible for renewal for another four year
term thereafter.
(11) National Caucus
(a) To receive annual financial statements from NEC for discussion
and advise.
(b) To deliberate and advise on the relationship of the Party with
other political parties, the Federal Government and State Governments.
(c) To provide a platform for the reconciliation of differences
between Senior Party members and to ensure that there is peace in
the Party and the nation.
(d) To provide a platform for wide consultation among Party leaders
and for the formation of a consensus on all matters of national
importance.
(e) To recommend members of the Selection and Screening Committee
to the National Executive Committee.
The State and Local Government Caucus shall exercise
the same functions at their respective levels as the National Caucus.
ARTICLE
12
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF OFFICERS
(1) National Chairman
(a). Shall be the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the
party and shall preside over the meetings of the National Convention,
the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee
of the party.
(b) Provide good and effective leadership to the
Party.
(c) Promote and defend the name, policies and programmes of the
Party.
(d) Be a signatory to the Account of the Party.
(e) Direct the due execution of the programmes of the party.
(f) Have powers to delegate his duties, give lawful directives to
all officers, agencies, officials, and members at all levels of
the Party.
(g) Have a casting vote in the event of a tie in the meetings of
the party over which he presides.
(h) Perform such other functions as may be assigned to him from
time to time by the National Convention, the National Executive
Committee, and the National Working Committee.
(2) Deputy National Chairman
( a.) Shall assist the National Chairman in the discharge of his
duties.
(b.) The Deputy National Chairman who comes from the same part of
the country the National Chairman comes from shall act in the absence
of the National Chairman while the second Deputy National Chairman
shall act in the absence of the aforementioned Deputy National Chairman.
(c.) The Deputy National Chairman shall in the absence of the National
Chairman preside over the meetings of the National Executive Committee,
the National Working Committee and the national Convention.
(d.) The Deputy National Chairmen may be assigned such other functions
by the National Chairman, National Convention and the National Executive
Committee.
(3) National Vice-Chairmen
( a.) Any one of the national Vice-Chairmen shall preside over the
meetings of the national Executive Committee, the National Working
Committee and the national Convention in the absence of the National
Chairman and the Deputy National Chairmen.
(b) Preside over their respective zonal meetings
(c) Each of the National Vice-Chairmen shall perform such other
duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the national
Executive Committee or the national Chairman.
(4) National Secretary
a. Shall supervise the day-to-day activities
at the National Secretariat under the general direction of the National
Chairman.
b. Cause to be issued notices of meetings
of the National Convention, the National Executive Committee, the
National Caucus and the National Working Committee.
c. Cause to be kept all records and books
of proceedings of the National Convention, the National Executive
Committee, the National Caucus and the National Working Committee.
d. Render a written annual report of the activities
of the Party.
e. Ensure the implementation of the decisions
and directives of the National Convention, the National Executive
Committee, the National Caucus and the National Working Committee.
f. Direct the conduct of correspondence as
may be required.
g. Carry out any other duty as may be assigned
to him from time to time by the National Convention, the National
Executive Committee, the National Caucus, the National Working Committee,
and the National Chairman.
h. Be a co-signatory to the Party Account.
(5) Deputy National Secretary
a. The Deputy National Secretary shall assist
the National Secretary in the discharge of his duties.
b. In the absence of the National Secretary,
the Deputy National Secretary shall act as the national Secretary.
c. The Deputy National Secretary shall be assigned
such other functions as may be deemed necessary by the National
Secretary or the National Chairman.
(6) Assistant National Secretaries
a. The six (6) Assistant National Secretaries
shall be the Secretaries of their Zonal Supervisory Committee.
b. They shall perform such function as may
be assigned to them by the National Secretary.
(7) National Treasurer
a. Shall receive and promptly pay into the
Party’s account all monies received for and on behalf of the
Party.
b. Ensure prudent management of Party funds.
c. Prepare and submit a yearly statement of
account to the National Executive Committee.
d. Be a co-signatory to the Party account.
(8) Deputy National Treasurer
Shall assist and deputise for the National Treasurer.
(9) National Financial Secretary
a. Collect all monies due to the Party and pay such
monies to the National Treasurer not later than 5 days after collection
b. Prepare and submit proposals for raising party funds for the
consideration of the National Executive Committee
c. Ensure that proper account and records are kept and cause such
books to be produced for inspection as may be required.
d. Prepare and submit proposal for raising funds for the Party for
the consideration of the National Executive Committee.
(10) Deputy National Financial Secretary
Shall assist and deputise for the National Financial
Secretary in his absence.
(11) Assistant National Financial Secretary
Shall keep records of Party finances at the zonal
level
(12) National Publicity Secretary
a. Shall be responsible for Party information, promotional
services and activities all of which must be consistent with the
Party constitution, manifesto and policies.
b. Initiate programmes for the general mobilization of the Party
faithful and recruitment of new members.
c. Organize seminars, workshops, rallies and campaign programmes
for the attainment of the Party objectives.
(13) Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Shall assist and deputise for the National Publicity
Secretary
(14) Assistant National Publicity Secretary
Shall take charge of Party publicity matters in their
respective zones.
(15) National Welfare Secretary
a. Shall be responsible for protocols, travelling
and accommodation
b. Promote and sustain the welfare of the executive and members
generally
c. Organise relief assistance in emergency cases
d. Carry out any other assignment directed by the National Chairman.
(16) Deputy National Welfare Secretary
Shall assist and deputise for the National Welfare
Secretary in his absence.
(17) National Organizing Secretary
a. Shall initiate programmes for the general mobilization
of the party faithful and recruitment of new members
b. Shall be responsible for party field and
campaign operations
c. Liaise with the National Women and Youth
Leader for harmonization of programmes for attainment of party victory
at all elections.
(18) Deputy National Organizing Secretaries
Shall assist and deputise for the National Organizing Secretary
in his absence
(19) Assistant National Organizing Secretary
Shall be responsible for party field and campaign
operations in their respective Zones.
(20) National Auditor
a. Shall audit the books of account of the Party bi-yearly and shall
report accordingly to the national Executive Committee.
b. In consultation with the external auditors, present the audited
account of the Party to the National Convention annually.
c. Be called upon by the National Executive Committee to audit accounts
of the Party from time to time.
(21) Deputy National Auditor
Shall assist and deputies for the National Auditor
in his absence.
(22) Assistant National Auditor
Shall be responsible for auditing of the Party zonal
account in their respective Zones.
(23) National Legal Adviser
a. Shall advise the Party on legal matters.
b. Arrange for the conduct of litigation and
defence on behalf of the Party, including its organs, officers and
officials in so far as the subject of litigation pertains to the
Party interest.
c. Give legal opinion on all laws, regulations
and constitution of the Party in the event of ambiguities.
(24) Deputy National Legal Adviser
Shall assist and deputise for the National Legal
Adviser in his absence.
(25) Assistant National Legal Adviser
Shall be the Party Legal Officer in their respective
Zones.
(26) National Women Leader
a. Be responsible for women mobilization and organization.
b. Initiate and implement strategic programmes and policies that
would endear the Party to Nigerian women.
(27) Deputy National Women Leader
Shall assist and deputise for the National Women Leader in her absence.
(28) Assistant National Women Leader
Shall be responsible for the mobilization of Party
women in their respective zones.
(29) The National Youth Leader
a. Be responsible for mobilization of Youths
for the attainment of Party objectives.
b. Initiate and implement strategic programmes
and policies that would endear the Party to Nigerian Youths.
(30) Deputy National Youth Leader
Shall assist and deputise for the National Youth
Leader in his absence.
(31) 6 Assistant National Youth Leaders
Shall be responsible for the mobilization of Party
Youths in their respective Zones.
OTHER ELECTED MEMBERS
The other elected members of the National Executive
shall perform such functions (special duties) as may be assigned
to them by the National Chairman.
OFFICERS AT OTHER LEVELS
Subject to the express provision(s) of this Constitution
all other officers at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Ward
levels shall have the same powers and functions at their respective
levels as prescribed for National Officers provided that legal advisers
at all levels shall as far as practicable be legal practitioners
within the contemplation of the Legal Practitioners Act 1975.
ARTICLE 13
SPECIAL ADVISERS:
There shall be the offices of Special Advisers
attached to office of the National Chairman. Their numbers shall
not exceed five while the National Secretary shall have one Special
Assistant.
In addition, Principal Officers of the Party
may have attached to their offices Personal Assistants as may be
determined by the National Chairman.
ARTICLE 14
ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION
(1) The Administration of the Party shall
be supported, facilitated and strengthened by a bureaucracy.
(2) At the National and State level, as much as possible the following
Departments or Directorates shall be established:
(a) Administration
To see to the day-to-day running of the Secretariat; to keep records
of Party activities including minutes of meetings of the Executive
and other Committees and official communications; to provide secretarial
assistance to all committees; and to handle personnel and welfare
matters including administrative discipline.
(b) Finance and Supply
To keep records of the finances of the Party; to raise and administer
such funds for the Party in accordance with the Party’s
guidelines; to keep inventory of all Party’s assets; and
to handle capital purchases and stores.
(c) Planning, Research and Statistics
To plan implementation methodology for the manifesto, objectives
and programmes of the party; to plan and advise on Campaign strategies
to win general elections; to maintain a data bank of Party activities
and related matters; to handle statistical computations; and to
manage the Library of the Party.
(d) Operation
To be responsible for organization of the Party’s public
functions, congress, rallies, conventions, electioneering campaigns;
internal elections of the Party; and general field work.
(e) Public Relations
To publicise the activities of the Party; to promote Party image
and explain its policies and programmes; to initiate and manage
lawful propaganda for the Party; to process the Party’s
publications; and to arrange press conferences.
(f) Legal Services
To provide all necessary legal support for the Party.
(g) Security and Intelligence
To manage security matters including training, scheduling and
supervision of security personnel; to watch over and protect party
property; to arrange security cover for party officers as may
be decided; and to manage intelligence for the Party.
(h) Works and Transport
To manage maintenance of Landed Property
and vehicles of the Party; to handle lands and property matters;
to process contracts awards and supervise contract jobs; to secure
party accommodation including official quarters as may be decided;
and to manage telecommunications services.
The administrative structure at other levels
shall take cognizance of their manpower and operational needs
and shall reflect the national and state structure as much as
possible.
The Secretary at all levels shall be in
charge of Party bureaucracy.
The executive organs of the Party shall
have official access to Party bureaucracy for the conduct of their
duties.
Staff of the Party shall not vote or be
voted for at the elections of the Party except such staff who
is a member of the Party has resigned his/her appointment not
later than one month to the elections.
The Party shall have conditions of service
for its staff.
ARTICLE 15
STANDING AND AD-HOC COMMITTEES:
1. The Convention or Congress at every level
or its principal organ, shall have power to set up standing committees
and, where necessary, ad-hoc committees.
2. Without prejudice to the above provisions,
the Party shall have the following Standing Committees, subordinate
and secondary to the Executive Committee at every level of the Party.
a. Working Committee
b. Finance Committee
c. Publicity Committee
d. Screening/Selection Committee.
ARTICLE
16
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES:
(a) Working Committee:
Which shall be headed by the Chairman at the respective level shall
comprise all Principal officers and their Deputies shall be responsible
for the implementation of decisions of its executive committee in
between meetings.
(b) Finance Committee:
Which shall be headed by the Treasurer as Chairman, shall comprise
a minimum of seven members, including the Financial Secretary to
be appointed by the Party Executive Committee and shall advise the
Party on ways and means of generating funds and property and investing
these for the Party in accordance with the Provisions of this Constitution.
(c) Publicity Committee:
Which shall be headed by the National Publicity Secretary, shall
comprise seven members and shall advise the Party on management
of information, communication, publication, public relations propaganda,
mass media matters and community affairs.
(d) Screening And Selection Committee:
Which shall be headed by the National Chairman of the Party and
Six members to be appointed by the National Working Committee and
shall:
i. Be solely responsible for the screening of Party
candidate(s)/official(s) for nomination or election
ii. Select and recommend to Independent Electoral
Commission all candidates for Political Offices on the Party’s
platform.
iii. Provide all guidelines for the nomination
of the Party’s candidate in all elections.
Members of the Committee shall not be eligible to
contest for any political post.
Any member who desires to contest for any political post, shall
immediately forfeit his or her membership of the Committee.
An Appeal shall lie from the decision of the
Committee to the National Executive Committee whose decisions duly
authenticated by the Chairman and Secretary, shall be binding on
all members.
ARTICLE 17
ZONING OF PARTY OFFICES:
The composition of officers of the Executive
Committees and other principal organs at each level of the Party
shall reflect the principle of the Federal character of Nigeria,
except that in the case of States, Local Governments and Wards which
are ethnically homogenous, the composition shall take account of
the geographical diversity of the area.
ARTICLE 18
TENURE OF OFFICE/ELECTION OF PARTY OFFICERS
(1) The Founder of the Party, CHIEF CHEKWAS
OKORIE shall hold the Office of the National Chairman of the Party
for an initial period of four years and may hold the office for
a second term of four years if he so desires.
(2) Other officers shall hold office for four
years and shall be eligible for a second term of four years.
(3) Election into any of the offices of the
Party shall be held on a date fixed by the National Executive Committee.
(4) Election into any of the offices of the
Patty shall be by way of secret ballot.
(5) Any officer of the Party who wants to
run for another office shall vacate his office at least two months
to the date of election.
ARTICLE 19
VACANCIES/REMOVAL FROM OFFICE:
1. In the event of the death or resignation of the Chairman, the
Deputy Chairman shall temporary hold the office until election is
conducted. In the event of the death or resignation of any officer
who has no deputy or assistant, the Executive Committee at that
level shall appoint a suitable person to act in that capacity until
the next Convention/Congress of the Party, when a new officer shall
be elected.
2. Removal From Office: The
National Chairman may be removed from office on a vote of No Confidence
passed by at least two-thirds majority of votes of a National Convention
convened solely for the consideration only of such motion.
Any other officer of the Party may be removed by a simple majority
of votes of numbers of a Convention or Congress as the case may
be of the party present and voting.
3. Special Circumstances:
Any officer of the Party who is indicted for any Criminal Offence,
bothering on fraud, embezzlement, conduct likely to bring the image
of the Party to ridicule and disrespect shall be deemed to have
been expelled from the Party.
ARTICLE 20
CODE OF CONDUCT AT ELECTIONS:
Any member of the Party who is contesting
for any Party office or Political Office shall not establish, operate,
retain, train, equip any person or group of persons, or maintain
any wing, arm or vanguard in whatever form or manner and in whatever
name called, for use or display of physical force or coercion in
promoting or attaining any political objective.
Any member who contravenes this provision stands to be expelled
from the Party.
ARTICLE 21
PARTY DISCIPLINE AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
Members of the Party must maintain a commendable and exemplary level
of discipline in both their public and private lives and conduct.
Because a substantial attraction of the Party derives from the element
of moral authority and power, the Party will exert a serious measure
of discipline for any misdemeanor aimed at tarnishing its well-nurtured
image and credibility.
The provision of this Constitution applies to all members of the
Party, and is not exhaustive as the General Convention can impose
new sanctions on any erring members commensurate to his/her misconduct,
even when such a misconduct and sanction is not provided for in
this Constitution.
1. Ordinary Members
a) Any member who disrupts any meeting of
the Party by way of noise-making, unruly conduct or behaviour or
recourse to violence shall be suspended indefinitely pending the
outcome of the report of a disciplinary committee set up by the
General Congress. Such a committee may recommend either of the following
relating to the suspension order, fine or outright dismissal from
the Party.
b) Any Party member whose verifiable public and private
conduct tends to bring the image of the Party into disrepute and
ridicule shall be suspend pending the determination of his/her case
by the Disciplinary Committee. The Committee shall recommend the
appropriate sanction for such misconduct.
c) No member of the Party shall take the Party to any court of Justice
in the land, no matter the circumstances, and under any condition.
The relevant authorities and agencies within the Party shall resolve
all matters affecting the members of the Party. A member who takes
the Party to Court shall lose his/her membership, the date of which
shall be determined by the General Convention.
d) Any member of the Disciplinary Committee who is indicted for
any offence stands suspended from the Committee pending the determination
of his/her case. Such a determination will define his/her future
relationship with Committee and/or the Party.
2. Officers of the Party
a) Any officer of the Party at all levels who fails
to attend one meeting of either the General Convention or Executive
Committee of the Party without a written explanation seven days
to the meeting shall be suspended from the Party for a period of
one (1) month.
b) Any officer of the Party at all levels who fails to attend two
consecutive meetings of either the General Convention or the Executive
Committee without a written explanation seven days to the meeting
shall be suspended from the Party indefinitely pending the determination
of his/her case by the relevant Disciplinary Committee of the Party.
c) Any officer at all levels who fails to attend three consecutive
meetings of either the General Convention or Executive Committee
of the Party without a written explanation seven days to the meeting
shall be dismissed from the Party by the General Convention without
recourse to the Disciplinary Committee.
d) Any officer of the Party at all levels whose verifiable public
and private conduct tends to bring the image of the Party into public
disrepute and/or ridicule shall be suspended indefinitely pending
the determination of his/her case by the relevant Disciplinary Committee
of the Party.
e) Any officer of the Party at all levels who disrupts any meeting
of the Party by way of noise-making, unruly behaviour or conduct
and/or violence shall be suspended indefinitely from the Party pending
the determination of his/her case by the relevant Disciplinary Committee.
f) No officer of the Party at all levels shall take the Party to
any Court of Justice in the land, no matter the case or circumstance,
and if he/she does so, such an officer stands dismissed from the
Party, at any date chosen by the General Congress.
g) Any officer of the Party at all levels who fails to discharge
his/her functions, as and when due, and whose utterances or activities
run counter to the spirit and letter of this Constitution shall
be suspended from office indefinitely pending the determination
of his/her case by the relevant Disciplinary Committee of the Party.
h) National officers of the Party including a member of the Party
elected into a legislative house shall be subject to disciplinary
measures determined by the Committee established by the General
Congress of the Party. This descending level of determination shall
apply to other officers of the Party at their respective levels.
3. Disciplinary Procedure
a) Subject to the provisions of this Article and principle
of natural justice there shall be a Disciplinary Committee of seven
members at every level of the Party appointed by the appropriate
Executive Committee of the Party at that level.
b) Where there is a complaint of misconduct against any Party member(s),
the appropriate Executive Committee shall send same to the appropriate
Disciplinary Committee to deliberate and make recommendation thereto.
c) The Disciplinary Committee shall inform the member(s) in writing
concerning the allegations and the place and time of hearing the
case against him/them.
d) Parties before a Disciplinary Committee shall be given opportunity
to present their case orally or in writing either in person or through
a counsel of his choice and call witnesses.
e) The Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall stipulate
a time limit, within which the Disciplinary Committee shall complete
its work which shall in any case not be more than 14 days.
4. Punishment
a) Any member of the Party found guilty of
any of the offences disclosed in this Constitution shall be liable
in any of or combination of the following punishment:
(i) Reprimand
(ii) Censure
(iii) Fine
(iv) Debarment from holding office (v) Removal from office
(vi) Suspension from the Party
(vii) Expulsion from the Party
Any person found guilty of any of the offences disclosed
in this Constitution shall be punished in accordance with this part
based on the gravity of the offence.
5. Appeal
a) Any Party member aggrieved by
the decision of any organs of the Party shall have the right of
appeal within 14 days of the decision to the immediate higher organ
of the Party.
b) An appeal shall be determined by the appropriate appeal body
within 21 days from the date of receipt of the appeal by the Executive
Committee concerned.
ARTICLE
22
MEETINGS
1. Convention and Congresses:
The Convention and Congresses of the party at the national, state
and other levels shall be held at least once a year at a date, venue
and time to be decided by the appropriate executive committee after
due consultations.
2. Emergency Meetings:
a) Without prejudice to the above provision, the
Executive Committee may summon an emergency meeting of the National
Convention or Congress at any time, provided that at least seven
days’ notice of the meeting is given to all those entitled
to attend.
b) The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the
Party at any level shall direct the Secretary of the organ to summon
a meeting of the Executive Committee as the case may be on joint
application made in writing by at least two-thirds of the members
of that organ;
c) Provided that where the Chairman and the Secretary
fail to convene the meeting within 21 days of the receipt of the
application, a meeting may be convened by a publication in a national
newspaper made by the signatories to the joint application.
3. Quorum:
One third of the members of any organ of the party shall constitute
the quorum for the purpose of a valid meeting of that organ; all
meetings shall be summoned in writing.
4. Conduct of Meetings
a) The meeting of any organ of the Party shall be
convened by the Secretary of that organ on the directive of its
Chairman or, where necessary, the Chairman himself.
b) The conduct of all meetings shall be in accordance
with parliamentary procedures. The Chairman shall preside over the
meeting. A member shall speak only when permitted to do so by the
Chairman. Discipline shall prevail. Decisions shall be taken by
consensus or, failing that, by voting. In that case, a simple majority
of votes cast shall be the decision.
(c) Voting at any meeting, congress or convention
shall be in accordance with the rules and procedures of that organ.
d) Indiscipline at meetings including, disruption
of a meeting, shall be punished.
ARTICLE 23
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Constitution
as herein contained, and for the purpose of stability, continuity,
cohesion, orderliness, sustainable Party development, promotion
of peace, harmony and progress in the Party, the Protem Executive
Committee members and the Officers at all levels of the Party shall
operate as Substantive Executive Committee members and Officers
of the Party for a period of four years from the date the Party
is registered with INEC. However, during the transitional period,
the National Executive Committee, shall have the power to change,
replace or remove any Executive member at any level of the Party,
if he/she is found wanting on grounds of infirmity, insanity, incompetence,
bankruptcy and upon conviction of any crime involving dishonesty.
At the expiration of this Transition period, any Officer may contest
any election into any Party Office subject to the provision of Article
19 of this Constitution
ARTICLE
24
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR AN ELECTION AT ANY LEVEL
The National Executive Committee shall formulate guidelines and
regulations for the nomination of Candidates for election into public
offices at all levels, subject to the provisions of this Constitution.
1. Presidential Candidate
Aspirants for Presidential election shall be nominated as candidate
for the Party at the National Convention but where the National
Executive Committee identifies a credible and nationally acceptable
person it shall nominate and present such a person for ratification
only at the National Convention as the Party’s Presidential
Candidate.
2. Vice Presidential Candidate
The nomination of the Vice Presidential Candidate shall be selected
by the National Principal Officers in consultation with the Presidential
Candidate, the Grand Patrons and Board of Trustees Chairman.
3. Gubernatorial Candidate
Aspirants for the Office of the Governor of a State shall be nominated
by the State Congress subject to the approval of the National Executive
Committee but where the State Executive Committee identifies a credible
and acceptable person, it shall nominate and present such a person
for ratification only at the State Congress as the Governorship
Candidate of the Party. Such ratification shall be approved by the
National Executive Committee.
4. Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate
The nomination of the Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate shall be selected
by the State Principal Officers in consultation with the Gubernatorial
Candidate. The nominated candidate shall be forwarded to the National
Executive Committee for approval.
5. National And State Assembly Members
The nomination of the candidates for the national Assembly (Senators
and House of Representatives) and State Assemblies shall be made
by the affected Local Government Congresses subject to the approval
of the National Executive Committee but where a credible and acceptable
persons have been identified by the affected Local Government Executive
Committees, it shall forward the name of such persons after due
consultation with the State Executive Committees to the National
Executive Committee for approval.
6. Local Government Chairmen/Councillors
The nomination of Councillorship/Chairmanship Candidate for a Local
Government shall be made by the Ward Congress/Local Government Congresses
subject to the approval of the National Executive Committee but
where an acceptable and credible person has been identified by the
Ward Executive Committee/Local Government Council Executive Committees
and after due consultation with the State Executive Committee shall
forward such candidates to the National Executive Committee for
approval.
7. Deputy Chairmanship Candidate
The selection of Deputy Chairmanship Candidate shall be made by
the Local Government Principal Officers in consultation with the
Chairmanship candidate and shall be subject to the approval of the
National Executive Committee.
8. Nomination Dispute
The National Executive Committee shall be
the final authority for resolving all disputes relating to the choice
of Party’s Candidates for all elections.
The National Executive Committee shall in case of electoral dispute
set up an Ad-hoc Appeal Committee to arbitrate on matters arising
thereof, such Ad-hoc Committee shall report to the national Executive
Committee through the national working Committee. The National Executive
Committee shall be the final authority for ratification of all electoral
decisions arising from the appeal Committees at all levels.
ARTICLE 25
PROHIBITION FROM HOLDING DUAL OFFICES
Subject to the provisions of this Constitution,
any member holding a Party office at any level shall be deemed to
have resigned that position if he assumes any of the following offices:-
1. President of the Federation
2. The Vice-President
3. Governors and Deputy Governors
4. Ministers, Ambassadors and Special Advisers/Special
Assistants
5. Members of the national and State Assemblies
6. Commissioners and Special Advisers
7. Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Councilors
of the Local Government Councils
8. Any full time employment or appointment
in the public service.
ARTICLE
26
DONATION FOR CAMPAIGN
1) Any individual, group or organisation who
wishes to make a Donation (Cash or Kind) shall do so in the name
of the party, either at the State or National level.
2) All Candidates on the platform of the Party
shall have their electioneering campaign sponsored by the Party.
ARTICLE 27
PARTY FINANCE
The Party shall derive fund from:-
i) Subscription, Fees, and Levies on members.
ii) Proceeds from investments.
iii) Subventions, Donations, and Fund raising
iv) Gifts and Grants by individuals or groups of individuals as
allowed by law.
v) Borrowing as approved by National Executive Committee.
vi) Any other lawful means.
ARTICLE 28
BANK ACCOUNT
1) The Party shall maintain bank Accounts
in the headquarters, city or town of its various levels of organisation,
provided that where banking facilities are not available, the services
of the bank nearest to the city or town shall be utilized.
2) The Executive Committee of that level of
the Party shall decide the banks for such Accounts.
3) The following officers of the Party, as
the case may be, shall be valid signatories to the Party’s
Bank Accounts and other Financial transactions:
a. The National Chairman and his counterparts
at State, Local Government and Ward levels.
b. The National Secretary and his counterparts
at State, Local Government and Ward levels.
c. The National Treasurer and his counterparts
at State, Local Government and Ward levels.
Provided that the withdrawals from or debit instructions
on the account shall be valid if authorised by the Chairman and
any of the other two signatories (i.e. Secretaries and Treasurers).
ARTICLE 29
AUDIT OF ACCOUNT:
The National Executive Committee shall appoint
a competent firm of Accountants to audit the Accounts of the Party
annually and present the report of the audited accounts at the National
Convention.
The Executive Committee at the State and Local
Government shall similarly appoint a competent firm of Accountants
to audit the Accounts of the Party annually and present the reports
of the audited accounts at their respective Congresses.
ARTICLE 30
COMMON SEAL
There shall be a Common seal of the Party
that shall be in the custody of the Secretary of the National Board
of Trustees.
ARTICLE 31
OATH OF OFFICE
Every officer elected or appointed as an officer
of the Party shall subscribe to the Oath of Office as provided in
Schedule 1 (Oaths 1 and 2) to this Constitution before a Commissioner
for Oaths or Notary.
ARTICLE 32
AMENDMENT
1. This Constitution and the Schedules thereto,
can be amended only by the National Convention of the Party.
2. Notice of any proposed amendment shall
be given to the National Secretary at least two months before the
date of the National Convention. The notice, which shall be in writing,
shall contain a clear statement of the proposed amendment and reasons
for it.
3. Notice of proposed amendment(s) shall be
served on the members of the National Convention at least 30 days
before the date of the meeting at which the proposed amendment is
to be considered.
4. The Constitution or any part thereof shall
stand amended if a proposed amendment is supported by at least two
thirds of the delegates present and voting.
5. Where new positions and offices are created
as a result of the amendment of this Constitution, the relevant,
Executive Committee, until the next Congress or Convention, shall
fill such positions and offices, in an interim capacity.
ARTICLE 33
INTERPRETATION
The National Executive Committee shall be
the final authority as to the interpretation of any aspect of this
Constitution and its ruling shall be final.
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1 OATH
1. OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
I …………………………………………..
do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance
to the ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE
(APGA) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I
will Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Party
and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so help me, God.
2. OATH OF OFFICE
I…………………………………………….
do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance
to the ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE
(APGA). I will discharge my duties to the best of
my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of
the Party and law and always in the interest of the integrity, solidarity,
advancement, well-being and prosperity of the Party and the Federal
Republic of Nigeria; that I will strive to Pursue, enhance and implement
the aims and objectives of the Party as contained in its Constitution
and Manifesto; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence
my Official decisions; that in all circumstances I will do what
is right to all the members and organs of the Party and to all manner
of people, according to law without fear or favour, affection or
ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or
reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under consideration
or shall become known to me as an officer of the Party, except as
may be required for the due discharge of my duties, and that I will
devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria.
So help me God.
SCHEDULE 2
STAFF RULES:
a) Employees of the Party are subject
to direct control and discipline of the National, State, Local Government
Area and Ward Secretariat of the Party. Appeal on matters of discipline
and routine administrative matters shall lie with the Chairman at
various levels.
b) All employees of the Party shall be bound by the Constitution,
Rules and Regulations of the Party and decisions of the National
Executive Committee and other authorised organs of the Party.
c) All employees of the Party who acts in a manner likely to bring
contempt or ridicule to the Party or its officers or takes part
in subversive activity against the Party or its officers shall,
if found guilty, be immediately relieved of his/her post and may,
in addition, be prosecuted. Erring employees will be afforded ample
opportunity to defend themselves before disciplinary action is taken
against them.
d) The remuneration and other conditions of service of the Party
shall be determined as follows:-
(i) For National Officers (employees) by the National
Chairman on the recommendation of the National Executive Committee.
(ii) For the State, Local Government Area and
Ward Officers (employees) by the State Chairman on the recommendation
of the State Executive Committee.
(iii) No employee of the Party shall seek Nomination
to enable him contest any election unless he/she resigns his/her
appointment one month to the date of the elections.
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