Cyril Mbah, Abuja
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Legacy Group, known as the G37, on Tuesday visited the APC National Headquarters in Abuja to formally express concern over what they described as the long neglect of founding members of the party.
The group, made up of former state chairmen and legacy members from the 36 states and the FCT, was received by the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye.
Leading the delegation, Comrade Cletus Obum said the visit was to demonstrate solidarity and reaffirm loyalty to the party and to Dr. Nwoye, who they described as compassionate and accessible.
He explained that G37 represents all the legacy blocs that formed the APC, such as the defunct ACN, CPC, ANPP and the new PDP, and noted that their physical presence conveyed a stronger message than letters or press statements.
Comrade Obum, in his address, traced the history of the merger as far back as 2004 when discussions began between the AD and the Advanced Congress of Democrats under Chief Alex Ameh.
He paid tribute to the late Chief Ameh and other pioneers, saying their commitment and sacrifices laid the foundation upon which the APC stands today.
The G37 leader also narrated personal experiences of Dr. Nwoye’s compassion, including his support to widows of deceased party chairmen and his visit to Obum’s village for his father’s burial.
He appealed to the party leadership to ensure that legacy members are remembered in appointments, board positions and election duties, warning that neglecting pioneers weakens loyalty.
“An empty sack cannot stand upright. Those who built this party should not be left outside the corridors of power,” Obum said.
Dr. Nwoye, while receiving the group, described the meeting as emotional and significant, pointing out that the gathering reminded him “we are not at the end of the struggle; we are still at the beginning.”
The Deputy National Chairman commended members of the group for travelling long distances to attend the meeting despite the high cost of flights and other logistical challenges.
He acknowledged their sacrifices from the days of the defunct AD, AC, ACN to the present APC, saying the resilience shown by the pioneers must continue for the party to remain strong.
Nwoye admitted that not all members of the legacy group have received the appointments and recognition they deserve, but urged them to remain steadfast.
“Asiwaju is not someone who forgets. By the grace of God, he has a good memory,” he said, stressing that the President would not abandon those who built the party.
He pointed out that some members of the legacy group have already been appointed to boards and other positions, including ambassadors, while others are still being considered.
The Deputy National Chairman also acknowledged the presence of the National Treasurer and National Secretary at the meeting, saying their attendance was important because the group raised issues of welfare.
On the history of the party, Dr. Nwoye said there was nothing wrong with members remembering their roots in ACN, CPC or ANPP, adding that it was part of understanding the foundation of the APC.
He described the APC as a “Rainbow Coalition” where leaders from different political traditions now work together, citing himself as being from AC/ACN and his northern counterpart from ANPP as examples.
Nwoye appealed to the group not to be discouraged or withdraw from party activities, saying nature abhors a vacuum and their experience is still needed.
He added that with elections approaching, it was time to mobilize members, reconnect with the grassroots and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.
The Deputy National Chairman said despite complaints about appointments, Nigerians were already seeing tangible benefits of the Tinubu administration in areas of road infrastructure across the country.
He concluded by thanking the G37 for their support and assured them that their concerns would be communicated to the President and the National Chairman.
The meeting ended with prayers for wisdom, strength and guidance for the party leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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