APC Shuns Political Parties Training for Chairmen

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, Uncategorized Friday, April 18th, 2014

Agabus Pwanagba, Jos

The All Progressive Congress (APC) was conspicuously absent at the first training for all political party Chairmen in Nigeria, with the other 24 parties well represented.

The training was organized by the Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre which is situated at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, under the sponsorship of the UNDP/DGD II.

No reason was given for APC absence as they were said to have been communicated like the other 24 parties present at the training.

African Examiner gathered that the boycott could be connected to its boycott of the National Security Meeting called by Present Goodluck Jonathan, another is the accusation of the All Progressive Congress (APC) of aiding and abetting terrorism in the country, by the ruling PDP.

In a communiqué read on Friday at the end of the four day training, by the UNDP Technical Adviser to the Centre, Prof. Ahmad Sanda

He said the training is to, “Improve understanding of party development, renewal and revitalization processes, mechanisms and experiences, while enhancing advocacy, networking and coalition building skills that advance core democratic values of consensus building, non-violence, inclusion and tolerance amongst others.

“Build capacities of participants in strategic policy development and intensify their understanding of governance processes and respect for democratic principles, values and culture.”

The Communiqué reads, “There is the need for all political parties to adhere to the rules enshrined in their party constitutions, Party Rules, Procedures and Guidelines.

“There was a unanimous agreement that parties should make their position clear, unambiguous and consistent with their manifestoes.

It further reads, “The party structures should be manned by professionals, to promote efficiency and effectiveness.

“Party Membership needs better education so that all stakeholders will be conversant of their responsibilities and obligations to the party.

“All parties underscored the need to make use of modern information and communication technology as a key means of enhancing membership recruitment and management.”