APC must not sideline founding members for new defectors — Jack-Rich

Businessman and politician, Tein Jack-Rich, has warned against the displacement of long-standing members of the All Progressives Congress by new entrants into the ruling party.

Jack-Rich gave 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 APC, according to a statement he signed on Thursday.

The APC chieftain said although the influx of new members into the party was good for democratic expansion, loyal members who stood by the party from inception must not be sidelined.

“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,” he said.

“It is important to hold dearly your biological child while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained.”

He said founding members and early supporters of the APC endured difficult periods when many people doubted the party’s chances, stressing that they should not now be pushed aside because the party controls power at the centre.

“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 that we have a president, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We will not accept it,” he said.

Jack-Rich described himself as one of the party’s long-standing supporters at both the state and national levels, saying he had consistently backed APC candidates over the years.

“I have been one of the key supporters of this party at both the state and national levels. I have supported governors, assembly members, representatives, senators and even presidents, and I will continue to do so,” he said.

Speaking on his senatorial ambition, Jack-Rich said his decision to contest for the Rivers West seat was driven by his desire to provide experienced representation for the district.

He expressed confidence in emerging victorious at 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.

The APC aspirant also said his over 28 years of experience in the oil and gas industry would position him to contribute meaningfully to legislative work, particularly in the energy sector.

“We need a senator who understands the oil industry and can support the president with bills and ideas that will help us produce more oil,” he said.

He described Rivers West as a strategic economic zone and a major oil-producing district in the country.

“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 added.