The merging All Progressive Congress (APC) on Tuesday declared that it has formally applied for registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration as a political party last Friday.
This was disclosed by the joint merger committee of the parties.
Chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Tom Ikimi who briefed the press after their meeting said the application was made to the INEC Friday last week and that it was signed by the National Chairmen, Secretaries, and Treasurers of the three merging parties, the ACN, Congress for Progressive Change, (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Ikimi, further charged members of the merging parties to ensure transparency and internal party democracy thrives particularly at this stage of registration.
He also advocated that all stakeholders should subscribe to and respect these fundamental principles.
He said “the merger committee has worked assiduously for more than four months now and has achieved remarkable progress towards the merger of the ACN, ANPP, CPC, sections of APGA and DPP to form the All Progressive Congress (APC). We were able to conclude work amicably on the choice of name, logo, slogan, symbol, a constitution and a manifesto. This permitted the merging parties to hold hitch free conventions in Lagos, Abuja and Gusau respectively.
“I am aware that millions of Nigerians await the final registration of our new party the APC so that they can avails themselves the opportunity to take up its membership. The plan, hope and commitment of the Merger Committee are that the new party will be broad based, open and truly belong to all its members equally. To this end we have all subscribed to our new constitution and it defines, quite clearly, the leadership structure of the party. This principle underscores equality and fair play among party members without prejudice.
” We will therefore strive to guarantee transparency and internal party democracy particularly at this stage of registration. We expect all of us involved in the process to also subscribe to and respect these fundamental principles. The final document for registration in accordance with INEC regulations has to be signed by the National Chairman, National Secretary and National Treasurer of each of the merging parties. Everyone committed to providing our country this new platform of change must be prepared to make the necessary sacrifice.”