An All Progressives Congress chieftain, Tein T.S. Jack-Rich, has insisted that APC legacy members must be given the first choice of refusal at contesting for positions, condemning the practice of new entrants displacing long-standing members of the party.
He emphasised the need for the party to balance inclusiveness with loyalty, noting that founding members and early supporters should not be sidelined.
The APC chieftain noted that while the influx of new members was beneficial to democratic growth, it should not come at the expense of those who built the party.
Jack-Rich raised the observations in Abuja, on Wednesday, while submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms for the Rivers West Senatorial District seat for Rivers State.
“What is important to the party is to continue to recognise and honour legacy members who have been there from inception, while also accommodating new entrants for growth.
“It is important to hold your biological child dearly while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained.
“We were there when they called us names. I was there when they didn’t believe in us and when they tried to stop us. Today, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We will not accept it,” he stated.
He noted that while the influx of new members was beneficial to democratic growth, it should not come at the expense of those who built the party.
“These new entrants are welcome, as it is good for the expansion of democracy, but they cannot take everything away.
“I am happy to say I have submitted my form, and I am going to work hard for the primaries. I believe strongly that I will win the Senate seat. Rivers West will be great again,” he said.
He described Rivers West as the largest senatorial district in Rivers State and a critical hub for Nigeria’s oil production.
“The Rivers West Senatorial District is the largest in the state in terms of landmass, and it is the oil bank of Nigeria.
“My field is in Rivers West, so I understand the terrain and the issues,” he said.
