By Idriss Balogun Tejan
Cornelius Deveaux, former National Publicity Secretary of the All People’s Congress (APC) and one-time Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, has submitted a comprehensive set of proposals to amend the party’s 2022 Constitution.
In a detailed letter to National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, Cornelius Deveaux argued that the reforms are necessary to address “recent exigencies affecting the governance of the Party” and to safeguard its democratic legitimacy.
At the core of his proposals is the controversy surrounding the expiration of the three-year tenure of APC’s National Officers, compounded by the party’s failure to convene internal elections or hold a National Delegates Conference (NDC) before the expiration of the tenure of the National Officers.
Cornelius Deveaux further warned that Article 47(a)(IV) exposes “significant gaps in the Party’s constitutional framework” and leaves the APC leaderless for extended periods.
He also pointed to the Constitution’s silence on procedures for filling vacancies in deputy offices and electing members of the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC).
To address these challenges, the former National Publicity Secretary recommends expanding the definition of “Special and Emergency Situations” to include internal crises such as disputes over delegate accreditation, injunctions, or administrative paralysis.
“This would allow the party to invoke emergency measures when unable to hold elections or convene the NDC,” the APC strongman explained.
He further proposes empowering the National Advisory Committee (NAC) to extend the tenure of National Officers for up to six months at a time, with a maximum of two extensions.
If the party remains unable to convene an NDC after these extensions, authority would temporarily shift to the Elders’ Council, described as the “conscience of the Party.”
Another major reform seeks to elevate the role of the National Leader above that of the Presidential Candidate.
The APC former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications under the Ernest Bai Koroma government argues that the current framework undermines the National Leader’s legitimacy by tying leadership to electoral outcomes.
He recommends that the National Leader be elected by the NDC for a fixed three-year term and automatically become the party’s presidential candidate.
His proposals also target the position of Deputy National Leader, which is currently derived from appointment as a running mate.
Cornelius Deveaux contends that this arrangement lacks democratic legitimacy and should instead be subject to election by the NDC.
He further suggests mechanisms for filling vacancies in deputy offices, ensuring replacements are drawn from candidates who previously enjoyed electoral support.
On the IEMC, Cornelius Deveaux highlights a structural flaw: the committee is tasked with conducting internal elections but can only be elected at the NDC.
This “circular dependency,” he argues, risks procedural paralysis and undermines the credibility of party elections.
Overall, Cornelius Deveaux’s sweeping proposals aim to fortify internal democracy, provide clarity in succession, and prevent future crises.
Whether the APC embraces these constitutional changes will be determined at the next National Delegates Conference, where the party must decide between continuity and reform.
The proposals are expected to spark intense debate within the APC, as they touch on sensitive issues of leadership, succession, and constitutional authority.
LETTER
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
The National Secretary General
All Peoples Congress (APC)
11, Old railway Line
Brookfields
Freetown
Dear Comrade National Secretary General,
I respectfully submit for your attention a set of proposed amendments to the APC Party Constitution (2022), intended for deliberation by the Party and subsequent approval at the next National Delegates Conference (NDC).
This action is taken in accordance with Articles 12(a)(I), 12(b)(VI), and 80(b) of the APC Party Constitution (2022), which provides for every member: “to participate fully in the activities of the Party provided such a member is current in his financial obligations to the Party and subject to rules and regulations governing such activities; to participate fully in the activities of the Party and ensure that the organs and bodies of the Party work effectively and accountably; and to submit proposals to amend the Party’s Constitution for deliberation at least three months before the next National Delegates Conference.”
The decision to advance the proposed amendments is predicated upon recent exigencies affecting the governance of the Party: firstly, the controversy occasioned by the expiration of the three-year tenure of the current National Officers vis-à-vis the inability of the Party to hold internal elections and conduct a National Delegates Conference (NDC) in advance thereof; secondly, the implications of Article 47(a) (IV), which expose material lacunae in the constitutional framework that renders the Party leaderless for a substantial period; and thirdly, the Constitution’s omission regarding the procedure for filling vacancies in the offices of Deputies, and the election of the National Coordinator and members of the Internal elections Management Committee (IEMC).
Accordingly, the proposed amendments herein submitted are intended to fortify internal democracy with respect to continuity and legitimacy, and to provide greater precision and certainty in the governance structures of the Party.
- Interpretation Section
First, I am proposing an amendment to the “Third Paragraph” of the “Interpretation Section”.
Current Paragraph
“Special and Emergency situations” shall be limited to when the country is at war, force majeure, the death of the Party’s Presidential Candidate, the occurrence of a national natural disaster or epidemic that leads to the declaration of a National State of Emergency, coup d’état, civil strife or unrest affecting the whole or a large part of the country.
Analysis of Current Paragraph
The existing definition of “Special and Emergency situations” is framed around external shocks (war, coup, epidemic, civil strife, natural disaster) and critical leadership loss (death of presidential candidate).
While this interpretation is exhaustive for national-level crises, and avoids ambiguity it does not account for internal organizational paralysis; specifically when the Party cannot convene its National Delegates Conference before the expiration of the tenure of its National Officers due to administrative or constitutional setbacks such as unresolved disputes over delegate accreditation, injunctions or legal restrictions affecting the convening of the Conference, constitutional ambiguities that prevent lawful assembly, or administrative paralysis that makes the conduct of lower-level elections and the holding of a NDC impossible.
This omission leaves the Party without a clear legal foundation to invoke emergency measures in such circumstances, especially where no transitional provision exists between the expiration of tenure and the formal dissolution of National Officers at the National Delegates Conference, thus exposing the Party to constitutional uncertainty and institutional instability.
Proposed Amendment
To provide for such administrative or constitutional setbacks, I therefore propose the following phrase at the end of the list of situations:
“…or administrative or constitutional setbacks such as unresolved disputes over delegate accreditation, injunctions or legal restrictions affecting the conduct of lower-level elections and the convening of the National Delegates Conference, constitutional ambiguities that prevent lawful assembly, or administrative paralysis that fundamentally impair the Party’s ability to conduct lower-level elections and to convene a National Delegates Conference.”
Rationale
This ensures that internal governance crises are recognized as legitimate emergencies and aligns such breakdowns (e.g., disputes over delegate accreditation, constitutional ambiguities, or administrative paralysis) with other disruptive circumstances like war, epidemics, or the death of a presidential candidate.
This will provide a legal basis for invoking emergency measures when the Party cannot conduct lower-level elections or convene its National Delegates Conference prior to the expiration of the tenure of its National Officers.
This safeguards institutional stability because it provides a lawful pathway to act when the Party’s highest organ cannot meet.
Suggested Draft (Integrated Version)
I therefore propose that the definition of “Special and Emergency situations” be amended as thus: “Special and Emergency situations” shall be limited to when the country is at war, force majeure, the death of the Party’s Presidential Candidate, the occurrence of a national natural disaster or epidemic that leads to the declaration of a National State of Emergency, coup d’état, civil strife or unrest affecting the whole or a large part of the country, or administrative or constitutional setbacks such as unresolved disputes over delegate accreditation, injunctions or legal restrictions affecting the conduct of lower-level elections and the convening of the National Delegates Conference, constitutional ambiguities that prevent lawful assembly, or administrative paralysis that fundamentally impair the Party’s ability to conduct lower-level elections and to convene a National Delegates Conference.”
- Extension of Tenure in Special and Emergency Situations
Proposed Clause 20(h):
Second, the recent decision of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) to extend the tenure of the National Officers is ultra vires the Party’s constitution as there is no provision for the extension of the tenure of National Officers and other critical structures of the Party in the current Constitution.
To avoid such blatant disregard for the Party’s constitution, I am therefore proposing an additional clause under Article 20 to deal with the extension of tenure in Special and Emergency Situations:
“In circumstances where special or emergency situations render the Party unable to hold lower-level elections and convene a National Delegates Conference prior to the expiration of the tenure of the National Officers, the National Advisory Committee (NAC) shall be vested with the authority to extend the tenure of the National Officers and all other structures of the Party for a period not exceeding six (6) months at a time. Such extension may be exercised on no more than two occasions.”
Rationale
The rationale for this proposed amendment is necessitated by recent developments, including the challenge brought before the PPRC by Comrade Ambassador Hon. Alimamy A. Kamara regarding the legitimacy and continuity of the current National Officers of the Party after the expiration of a three-year tenure, and the subsequent decision of the PPRC to extend the tenure of the current National Officers of the Party for six months; a provision not contemplated in the existing Constitution.
The inclusion of Clause 20(h) therefore ensures constitutional certainty as it provides a clear, lawful mechanism for tenure extension in extraordinary circumstances. It also provides democratic safeguards as it prevents unilateral extension/transfer of leadership and authority by such bodies as the PPRC. It also empowers NAC to act within defined limits to ensure legitimacy and continuity at the expiration of tenure where the Party cannot conduct lower level elections or convene a NDC.
Vesting of Authority in the Elders’ Council
Furthermore, the PPRC’s stated intention to vest political and administrative authority in the Leader of the Party’s Parliamentary Group, should the six-month extension granted to the current National Officers elapse without the convening of a National Delegates Conference, raises grave constitutional concerns, especially that the current Constitution makes no provision for such transfer.
Such a transfer of authority would place the Party under the leadership of an individual not elected by the wider membership through a National Delegates Conference, thereby undermining the democratic legitimacy of the Party’s governance structures.
In consideration of such circumstance where the Party cannot convene a National Delegates Conference at the expiration of extensions, I further propose a clause 20(j).
Clause 20(j):
“Where, at the expiration of two (2) extensions granted under Clause 20(h), the Party remains unable, due to special or emergency circumstances, to hold lower-level elections and to convene a National Delegates Conference, the National Advisory Committee (NAC) shall entrust the administrative and political authority of the Party to the Elders’ Council, recognized as the conscience of the Party, for a period not exceeding six (6) months.”
Rationale
This proposed amendment ensures democratic continuity by preventing a constitutional vacuum after the maximum permissible extensions under Clause 20(h). It guarantees legitimacy and moral authority by entrusting authority to the Elders’ Council, an institution embodying the conscience of the Party, thereby safeguarding democratic values and preventing unilateral control by unelected individuals. It also provides a time-bound safeguard by limiting the Elders’ Council’s authority to six months, compelling the Party to convene a National Delegates Conference within a reasonable timeframe.
Should this proposed amendment meet the approval of the National Delegates Conference, it warrants an addition to Article 25(e): Responsibilities of the Elders’ Council
I am further proposing a Clause 25(e)(IV):
The Elders’ Council may be called upon, from time to time: “to assume administrative and political authority of the Party under Clause 20(j).”
Rationale
This addition harmonizes the Party’s constitutional framework by explicitly codifying the Elders’ Council’s transitional authority within its responsibilities. It ensures that when vested with power under Clause 20(j), the Council acts not outside but within the Constitution, thereby reinforcing legitimacy, continuity, and accountability.
- Tenure of Office Vs Dissolution
The Constitution simultaneously prescribes a fixed tenure of three years for National Officers while requiring dissolution at the NDC, but fails to distinguish between expiration of tenure (automatic by passage of time) and dissolution (formal act of the NDC), thus creating an ambiguity occasioned by this procedural gap.
Article 52(a) (b) currently provides that all National Officers of the Party, together with Regional, Diaspora, District, Constituency, and Ward Executive Officers, shall hold office for a fixed term of three (3) years.
Article 17(d) further provides that one of the functions of the National Delegates Conference (NDC) is to dissolve and elect National Officers. Similarly, Articles 24(h) and 21(c) provide that critical organs of the Party, such as the National Advisory Committee (NAC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC), elected for a three-year term shall also be dissolved at the NDC.
In its simplest sense, Expiration of Tenure occurs automatically when the three-year mandate lapses. The executive ceases to hold full office by operation of law unless renewed through re-election or extension under constitutional provisions.
On the other hand, Dissolution at NDC is a deliberate act of the Party’s supreme authority, formally terminating the mandate and mandating elections.
This dual framework is what creates a constitutional ambiguity and the reason for the recent challenges to the legitimacy and continuity of the current National Officers after the expiration of its tenure.
Proposed Amendment: Bridging Expiration and Dissolution
The amendment I am proposing is intended to bridge the procedural gap between the expiration of tenure and the dissolution of National Officers and other critical organs of the Party at the NDC. It seeks to eliminate the ambiguity and controversy occasioned by the omission of clear transitional provisions. This will ensure continuity, certainty, and orderly succession.
The proposals I intend to make are premised on the under mentioned considerations:
- Date for NDC: The Constitution shall mandate that the National Delegates Conference be convened on a fixed date within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the tenure of the National Officers, to ensure timely dissolution and reconstitution.
- Extension of Tenure: Where special or emergency circumstances prevent the convening of the NDC before expiration, the National Advisory Committee (NAC) shall have authority to extend the tenure of the National Officers and all other structures for a period not exceeding six (6) months at a time, provided that such extension shall not be exercised more than twice.
- Transfer of Authority to Elders’ Council: Where, at the expiration of two extensions, the Party remains unable to convene the NDC, the administrative and political authority of the Party shall be vested in the Elders’ Council, recognized as the conscience of the Party, for a period not exceeding six (6) months, until such time as the Party can convene the NDC.
I therefore proposed the additional clauses to Article 52 to speak to Expiration, Dissolution, and Continuity of Executives:
- All National Officers of the Party, together with Regional, Diaspora, District, Constituency, and Ward Executive Officers, shall hold office for a fixed term of three (3) years as prescribed under Article 52(a)(b).
- Upon the expiration of the prescribed tenure, the mandate of such officers shall lapse by operation of law. However, formal dissolution of the National Officers and other elected organs shall be effected exclusively at the National Delegates Conference (NDC), which shall simultaneously mandate the election or reconstitution of new officers.
- The National Delegates Conference (NDC) shall be convened on a date within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of tenure, for the purpose of dissolution and reconstitution of the Party’s principal organs.
- Where special or emergency circumstances prevent the convening of the NDC before expiration of tenure, the National Advisory Committee (NAC) shall have authority to extend the tenure of the National Officers and all other structures for a period not exceeding six (6) months at a time, provided that such extension shall not be exercised more than twice.
- Where, at the expiration of two extensions under Clause (4), the Party remains unable to convene the NDC, the administrative and political authority of the Party shall be vested in the Elders’ Council, recognized as the conscience of the Party, for a period not exceeding six (6) months, until such time as the Party can convene the NDC.
Rationale
This proposal, if adopted at the next NDC clearly distinguishes expiration of tenure from dissolution at the NDC and prevents a governance vacuum by providing transitional mechanisms which reinforces the supremacy of the NDC while empowering the NAC and Elders’ Council only as emergency measures.
- Article 47 – Party Leadership
Given recent experience, I am also proposing an amendment to Article 47(a)(I) and (IV).
Current Clause:
Article 47(a)(I): “The person elected at the National Delegates Conference as the Party’s
Presidential Candidate/ Flag bearer shall be its National Leader and shall maintain such position if he is elected President of Sierra Leone.”
Article 47 (a)(IV): “Where the National Leader fails to be elected President of Sierra Leone he shall relinquish the position of National Leader six months after the final declaration of election results by the National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, notwithstanding any petition filed in the Supreme Court or pursuant to any law; and such position shall remain vacant until another election for the Party’s presidential candidate is conducted pursuant to this Constitution.”
National Leader vs. Presidential Candidate Confusion
In consideration, Article 47(a)(I) effectively confines the role of the Party’s National Leader to the pursuit of presidential candidacy, rather than recognizing the broader mandate of providing leadership to the Party in accordance with the true roles and functions of a National Leader within a political organization.
By virtue of this provision, the position of the Presidential Candidate/Flagbearer effectively overshadows that of the National Leader, who, pursuant to Article 47(a), is expressly designated the “primus inter pares” in the Party’s hierarchy of Party Leadership.
Legally, this weakens the National Leader’s legitimacy, except if he wins a presidential election. By this provision, leadership is conditional on electoral outcomes and not on the Party’s internal democratic processes.
Tenure Ambiguity
Article 47(a)(IV) stipulates that if the National Leader loses a presidential election, they must relinquish leadership within six months. This short tenure undermines stability, continuity, and accountability as was recently experienced.
It also creates a leadership gap as the current provision deliberately makes the Party leaderless for extended periods until another candidate is chosen, leaving a vacuum in its governance structure.
Legitimacy Concerns
By tying National Leader to candidacy, the Party risks delegitimizing the Leader if they lose a presidential election.
Yet, the Leader is elected by the National Delegates Conference — a democratic process that should confer legitimacy independent of presidential election outcomes.
This undermines the principle that the Party National Leader is paramount, guiding the Party regardless of electoral success.
Proposed Amendments
It is against this background that I wish to propose amendments that put Leadership above Candidacy. I hold the view that the National Leader should be elected by the National Delegates Conference for a fixed tenure of three years.
The National Leader shall automatically become the Party’s Presidential Candidate, and not the other way round as is currently expressed in Article 47(a) (I).
This will ensure continuity, avoid leadership vacuums, and strengthen legitimacy.
Suggested Draft
- The National Leader shall be elected by the National Delegates Conference for a tenure of three years. The National Leader shall serve as the principal political head of the Party, responsible for promoting and defending its integrity, policies, and programs.
- The National Leader shall automatically be the Party’s Presidential Candidate for national elections.
- Where the National Leader fails to be elected President of Sierra Leone, he shall continue to serve as Party Leader until the expiration of his tenure, unless removed by constitutional process.
These amendments put Leadership above Candidacy. It puts a stop gap to a potential source of recurring controversy by ensuring the position of National Leader shall not be vacated solely on account of losing a presidential election and that the National Leader remains paramount regardless of electoral outcomes.
Proposed Amendment to Article 47(b)
Contingent to this amendment, I further propose an amendment to Article 47(b)(I)&47 (b)(IV).
Purpose of the Amendment
This amendment seeks to safeguard democratic legitimacy within the Party by ensuring that the rules governing the election of the National Leader shall apply mutatis mutandis to the election of the Deputy National Leader and that leadership succession reflects the sovereign mandate of the National Delegates Conference (NDC).
Rationale
Currently, Article 47(b)(I) provides that: “The person chosen by the Presidential Candidate to be his Running Mate shall become the Party’s Deputy National Leader and shall maintain such position if he is elected Vice President of Sierra Leone.”
It makes the position of the Deputy National Leader to lack democratic legitimacy. The Deputy National Leader must derive authority from election by the NDC, not by virtue of appointment as a running mate in a presidential election.
An amendment to this Clause will ensure that party leadership remains accountable to the membership rather than contingent upon the outcome of Presidential Election or Government Office.
The proposed amendment seeks to abolish the presumption that a Vice President, appointed merely as a running mate, should automatically succeed to the office of National Leader. In the event of a vacancy, only an individual duly elected by the NDC shall be eligible to serve as Acting National Leader.
The office of Deputy National Leader shall be explicitly distinguished from that of the Vice President of the Republic. This separation ensures that, while the President (National Leader) and Vice President are necessarily absorbed by the responsibilities of state governance, the Deputy National Leader remains dedicated to sustaining the Party’s institutional focus. In this way, the Party’s autonomy is safeguarded and its organizational integrity preserved, even while exercising governmental authority
Where the National Leader holds the office of President of Sierra Leone, the Deputy National Leader shall be leveraged to provide political leadership within the Party structure. This ensures continuity of party governance and accountability to the membership, even while the National Leader is engaged in governmental responsibilities.
Proposed Amendment to Article 47(b)(I):
- The Deputy National Leader of the Party shall be elected by the National Delegates Conference (NDC) for a period of three years.
- In the event of a vacancy in the office of National Leader, the Deputy National Leader shall serve as Acting National Leader.
- Where the National Leader holds the office of President of Sierra Leone, the Deputy National Leader shall provide political leadership within the Party structure, thereby ensuring continuity of party governance, safeguarding autonomy, and maintaining accountability to the membership even while the Party is in government
Key Effects
Strengthens internal democracy by requiring that both the National Leader and Deputy National Leader be elected by the NDC.
Closes the loophole in Article 47(b)(I) that allows a Vice President—appointed as running mate but not elected by the NDC—to lead the Party.
Reinforces democratic participation and accountability, ensuring that succession is grounded in the will of the membership.
Erases the perception of automatic succession rights, thereby consolidating legitimacy and stability in party governance.
This amendment is a necessary reform to align party leadership succession with democratic principles. It institutionalizes safeguards against arbitrary succession, clarifies the separation between party and governmental offices, and ensures that leadership continuity is always grounded in the mandate of the NDC. Adoption of this amendment will strengthen the Party’s legitimacy, accountability, and resilience in both governance and opposition.
National Leader vs. National Chairman Confusion
These amendments may also necessitate a reconstitution of Article 46 (Party Officers), which positions the National Leader as the third in the hierarchy of National Officers, and Article 47(c)(1), which designates the Party Chairman as the Chief Executive Officer of the Party.
This dual positioning creates a constitutional ambiguity in terms of authority, as the positioning of the National Party Chairman under Article 46 appears to overlap and potentially conflict with the positioning of the National Leader under Article 47(a).
Proposal for Amendment to Article 47(c)(I): Role of the National Chairman
Current Provision
“There shall be a National Chairman who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Party.”
Proposed Amendment
“There shall be a National Chairman who shall be the administrative head of the Party and who shall take charge of all operations of the Party.”
Rationale
- Clarity of Role: The current designation of the National Chairman as “Chief Executive Officer” creates ambiguity in relation to other constitutional provisions, particularly those that define the functions of the National Leader.
- Administrative Precision: By redefining the Chairman as the “administrative head,” the amendment clearly situates the office within the operational management of the Party, avoiding overlap with political leadership roles.
- Operational Authority: The phrase “take charge of all operations of the Party” ensures that the Chairman’s authority is comprehensive in administrative matters, while leaving political leadership to National Leader.
- Institutional Balance: This amendment harmonizes the hierarchy of Party officers, preventing conflicts of authority and reinforcing accountability in Party governance.
This amendment provides constitutional clarity by distinguishing the administrative functions of the National Chairman from the political functions of the Party Leader, thereby strengthening internal governance, ensuring operational efficiency, and safeguarding institutional legitimacy.
- Filling Vacancies in the Offices of Deputies
Again, given a recent experience, I propose that in the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of any Deputy, other than the Deputy National Leader and Deputy National Chairman, whether by reason of death, resignation, removal, or incapacity, and given that the
Constitution makes no provision for delegation of responsibility by the substantive holder to a person of his or her choice, NAC should be empowered to appoint the candidate who, at the most recent election for the said office, secured the second highest number of votes.
Such appointment shall be deemed valid for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Rationale
This proposal closes an existing constitutional gap by providing a clear mechanism for filling vacancies in deputy offices where no delegation or succession is currently provided. It ensures that the replacement is drawn from a candidate who already enjoyed electoral support, thereby respecting the will of the membership. It prevents disruption of Party operations by ensuring that deputy offices are not left vacant.
This clause creates a structured succession mechanism that is both democratic and practical, while reinforcing the authority of the NAC in emergencies and the supremacy of the NDC in ratification.
I therefore propose an additional clause to Article 20 that speaks to the Powers and Function of NAC to speak to: “Filling Vacancies in the Office of Deputies:”
“In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of any Deputy, whether by reason of death, resignation, removal, or incapacity, and given that the Constitution makes no provision for delegation of responsibility by the substantive holder to a person of his or her choice, the National Advisory Committee (NAC) shall appoint the candidate who, at the most recent election for the said office, secured the second highest number of votes. Such appointment shall be deemed valid for the remainder of the unexpired term.”
- Election of IEMC National Coordinator and other Members
The current provision in Article 42 provides that: “There is hereby established an Internal Elections Management Committee which shall be responsible to conduct, supervise and manage internal Party elections at all levels of the Party structure. It shall be responsible to prepare and distribute ballot papers and boxes, count votes and announce results of elections.
The Internal Elections Management Committee shall be headed by a National Coordinator and such other members elected at the National Delegates Conference.”
The IEMC is tasked with conducting, supervising, and managing all internal elections—including those of National Officers, NAC members, and NEC members—at the National Delegates Conference (NDC). However, the same provision requires that its own members be elected at the NDC.
This creates a circular dependency: the body responsible for conducting elections cannot itself be elected until the NDC, yet its existence is required to conduct those very elections.
It undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process, as the IEMC’s authority would be uncertain at the time of the NDC and risks procedural paralysis, since no clear mechanism exists for who conducts the election of IEMC officials.
Proposed Amendment to Article 42
Amendment to Article 42: The Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC)
- There is hereby established an Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC) which shall be responsible for conducting, supervising, and managing internal Party elections at all levels of the Party structure.
- The IEMC shall prepare and distribute ballot papers and boxes, count votes, and announce results of elections.
- The IEMC shall be headed by a National Coordinator and composed of such other members elected.
- The election of officials of the IEMC shall be conducted by the National Secretariat not earlier than six months and not later than twelve months after the conduct of the National Delegates Conference.
- The officials of the IEMC shall hold office for a period of three (3) years, renewable once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed amendments are designed to resolve constitutional ambiguities that undermine clarity and legitimacy in the Party’s governance. Specifically, they redefine
“Special and Emergency situations” and bridge the gap between expiration of tenure and dissolution of National Officers and other structures at the National Delegates Conference, thereby eliminating controversy and ensuring continuity of authority.
Furthermore, the amendments distinguish between leadership and presidential candidacy, clarifying that the role of the Presidential Candidate/Flagbearer, while significant in electoral mobilization, must not overshadow the constitutionally recognized hierarchy of Party leadership.
In this regard, the National Leader’s fixed tenure and constitutional positioning are reaffirmed, ensuring that leadership authority remains grounded in the Constitution rather than electoral expediency.
Equally, the amendments redefine the role of the National Chairman, establishing the office as the administrative head of the Party charged with oversight of all operations, while distinguishing this function from the political and moral authority vested in the National Leader. This separation of roles strengthens institutional balance, prevents overlap of authority, and reinforces accountability.
It also addresses the procedure for filling vacancies in the offices of Deputies, as well as the election of members of the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC).
Taken together, these reforms safeguard the supremacy of the National Delegates Conference, provide transitional mechanisms to prevent governance vacuums, and harmonize the relationship between elected officers, Party leadership, and presidential candidacy.
Pursuant to Article 80 (c) of the APC Constitution (2022), which provides that: “Notice of such proposal (s) and the Conference Agenda shall be communicated in writing to all organs of the
Party within the timeframe set out in this Constitution,” I hereby crave the indulgence of your good office to communicate this proposed amendments to the wider membership.
Respectfully submitted for deliberation and adoption by Delegates at the next National Delegates Conference,
I remain,
Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux
Former Editor – APC We Yone News Paper
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Former National Publicity Secretary
Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications
CC:
Acting National Chairman
Head of Legal Team
All Regional Chairmen
All Flag-bearer Aspirants
Chairman of Elders Council
PPRC
File.
