APC to grant waivers to new entrants, rules out automatic ticket

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said all new members of the party would be granted waivers to run for various offices in the party including the 2023 general elections and not only former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen John Akpanudoedehe, said his Channels TV interview on Wednesday did not say only Jonathan would be granted a waiver if he defected to the party.

According to the statement, all new members of the APC would enjoy the benefits and privileges accruable by virtue of their membership of the party.

The statement said, "The APC National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution of 8th December 2020 approved the granting of waivers to persons who have recently joined the party and those desirous of joining the party in the nearest future to contest for positions in the APC and as party flag bearers in general elections.

"For the records, in my recent television interview reaction to the rumoured plans by former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the APC, my statement was that NEC resolution was a blanket waiver to all new APC entrants, including the interviewee.

"The waiver is definitely not specific to anyone as being misconstrued and misrepresented in some sections.

"Coming into the party gives no one special status of being an automatic party candidate in any election. All aspirants must undergo the nomination processes outlined by the APC constitution."