- Tein Jack-Rich warned the APC against sidelining founding members amid increasing defections into the ruling party
- The APC chieftain submitted nomination forms to contest for the Rivers West Senatorial seat
- Jack-Rich said his oil and gas experience would help him contribute to energy-focused legislation in the Senate
Businessman and politician, Tein Jack-Rich, has cautioned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress against marginalising long-standing members of the party in favour of new entrants.
Jack-Rich issued the warning in Abuja while submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest for the Rivers West Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
In a statement signed on Thursday, the APC chieftain acknowledged that the growing influx of politicians and supporters into the ruling party reflected democratic expansion and strengthened the party’s national influence. However, he stressed that such growth should not come at the expense of loyal members who had remained committed to the APC since its formation.
According to him, the party must strike a balance between welcoming new members and preserving the interests of those who stood firmly with the APC during difficult periods.
“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,” Jack-Rich said.
He added that party leaders must ensure that founding members were not pushed aside by politicians joining the APC now that it controls power at the centre.
“It is important to hold dearly your biological child while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained,” he stated.
Reflecting on the early years of the party, Jack-Rich said many APC supporters faced criticism and political resistance when the party was still struggling to establish itself nationally.
“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,” he said.
“Today that we have a president, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We will not accept it.”
The APC stalwart described himself as one of the party’s dedicated supporters at both the state and national levels, noting that he had consistently supported APC candidates seeking elective positions over the years, including governors, lawmakers and presidential candidates.
Speaking on his ambition to represent Rivers West Senatorial District in the Senate, Jack-Rich said his decision to contest was motivated by a desire to provide experienced and effective representation for the district.
He expressed confidence in securing victory at both the party primaries and the general election.
“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.
Jack-Rich also highlighted his more than 28 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, arguing that his background would enable him to contribute significantly to legislative discussions on energy and economic development.
He said Nigeria needed lawmakers with practical industry knowledge who could support policies aimed at increasing oil production and strengthening the economy.
Describing Rivers West as a critical economic region, he noted that the district remained one of the country’s major oil-producing areas and the largest senatorial district in Rivers State by landmass.