YOUTH ARISE

The House of Rep GWER East/Gwer west is getting a new leader!

It's kadev Kenneth Kelvin taking the reins

Non-Elective Congresses

I have received many calls regarding the above terminology, with some suggesting that my party, the APC in Benue, ought to honour the resolution of the NEC by implementing a decision that proposed non-elective congresses.

In simple terms, a non-elective congress is a process in which selected members are returned unopposed. In such a situation, leadership positions are not contested, except where vacancies arise due to death, resignation, or disqualification of members.

It was also alleged that all the fomer APC EXCOs at the ward and local government and state levels were to be returned unopposed, and that the actions of the National Working Committee (NWC) authorisimg the sale of forms were inconsistent with the national resolution of our party.

However, I have taken time to carefully review the process and to clarify what is truly happening in the APC today. The national leadership of the APC did not adopt non-elective congresses. This is evident in the official timetable titled: “ADJUSTED APC 2026 SCHEDULE OF NATIONWIDE CONGRESSES, NATIONAL CONVENTION AND RELATED ACTIVITIES.”

This was not a mere omission; it was deliberate. From the outset, it was clear that the NWC intended to conduct elective congresses to produce ward, local government, and state EXCOs.

A careful look at the activities outlined in the timetable shows provisions for the publication of notices, sale of forms, submission of forms, screening, appeals, and the conduct of elections. Committees were constituted to oversee elections at the ward level and to return duly elected winners. The same process is ongoing in other states across the country.

Once the NWC approved the sale of forms, it created a clear presumption of open competition. In a democratic setting, candidates purchase forms, contest elections, and those who secure the majority of votes are declared elected. That is the essence of internal party democracy.

Even if, without conceding, there had been consideration for non-elective congresses, such decisions would still be subject to the authority of the party’s leadership and prevailing circumstances. Where there are vacancies due to death, resignation, incapacity, or proven disloyalty, as was alleged in states like Kaduna State, the party reserves the right, through lawful and democratic procedures, to reorganise its structure and ensure effective leadership.

Having carefully studied the guidelines, timetable, and other relevant documents, I am convinced that the NWC has taken a bold and commendable step by putting in place a transparent, elective, and democratic process to produce leaders who will steer the affairs of our great party in the years ahead.

The process is lawful, structured, and consistent with democratic principles.🙏🙏👆🏻🙏

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