Roles, Responsibilities Of Party Executive  

By Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale

THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS:

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the two major contemporary political parties in Nigeria. It was Founded on the 6 th February 2013 from a merger of Nigeria’s three largest opposition parties. The party came to power following the victory of the parties candidate Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential elections. This marked the first time in Nigerian history that an opposition party unseated a governing party and power was transferred peacefully. The way and manner we succeeded in doing this was majorly based on the roles of the executives of the party at all levels. I will touch on a few of these roles later on in the lecture however there is a need to understand the organogram and structure for better assimilation.

Party Constitution, Vision And Manifesto:

Every Recognised Political party is mandated to have a broad and well put together Constitution that binds on every member and caucus of the party. It shall be recognised as the binding laws, rules and principles that govern the affairs and activities of Such party whereby submitted to the INEC and will be enforced for or against such a party.

A party must also and always have a vision which generally is to win every election in which the party is a platform for any of its candidates in most cases. However the internal workings and affairs of such party must also emulate such a vision where transparency is a key factor to provide a level playing ground for all members and executives of the party.

The Manifesto of every party should always be clear and precise. Sticking to a Manifesto helps a party to be stable and not confused but rather focused on goals and achievements.

They are largely what sustains a political party and its assurances to victories of elections and all levels.

Personal Career and Experience/Challenges :

My experience being a state Chairman successfully for 12 years largely was based on an open office system, where anyone and everyone had access to see me. What I realised early enough as a politician was to be open to everyone as this guarantees updated information per minute. In politics information is the key to your survival and success. You cannot be an executive of a party and not leave your phones open or your doors open like it’s a private organisation. That is a guarantee for doom.

It is also important to note that Some of the key aspects that led to victories of the State elections within my career as State Chairman was the good Working relationships with the executives of the State Cabinet, legislative arm of the State , council chairmen and Party Excos.

Being able to manage each other and resolve issues where necessary, helps build trust amongst members of the party no matter your level and this is key to winning elections..

Directorates:

1. Chairman

2. Deputy Chairman

3. Vice Chairmen

4. Legal Advicer

5. Treasurer

6. Financial Secretary

7. Organising Secretary

8. Publicity Secretary

9. Youth Leader

10. Woman Leader

11. Auditor

12. Welfare

13. People with Disabilities

14. Ex officios

Demography and Functions:

First off i think It must be Elaborated and probably exaggerated that each exco member is a representative of each Local Government. This means that each local govt territory has a representative at the state level to ensure there is no bias and feedback can easily be received from their reps at the state party executive level. Especially to ensure decisions taken, are fair and equitable in nature.

Effectiveness of cooperation and Collaboration:

My personal experience and interactions with the entire executive members of the party yielded positive results where we won elections back to back through out my 12 years as chairman. The trust we built in each other made it an easy workable environment.

 Every exco member must at every given opportunity interact with each other learning from each other and helping one another as it concerns their duties.

Beyond the above Exco Members are meant to be seen Working with the National level down to the local govt level. Ensuring synergy and it’s effectiveness which leads to winning elections comes from the relationship shared from National level down to the state.

Information dissemination as at when due is a main factor. Zonal Meetings with the National representatives (national vice Chairmen), LGA meetings at every local govt and Ward meetings across the states and federation.

These are key factors in ensuring a seamless working environment for any party and its executives.

The Specifics It is agreed that the goal of all political parties is to win elections and be able to form a sustainable government. Towards this goal the Executives of a party must take their Roles and Responsibilities seriously and be dogged in pursuing same.

The Specific roles and responsibilities are contained in the party constitution. The Constitution provides the do’s and don’ts while defining the roles of each executive member and the office they are elected into. Usually there can be clashes, confusion  or lack of understanding, it is at such a point we need and seek legal interpretation from the State Legal Adviser.

Each office has Specific duties to perform, and Mine as you can tell was the toughest. Being the Chairman means every report of all department passes through that table and most times decisions are taken there and then In cases of emergency. It has happened times without number where decisions taken must not jeopardise the success of the party even though in a short time frame.

Each Executive member must be seen to be undiluted and totally loyal to the party no matter what. One must think of himself or herself as the face of the party wherever you find yourself and that means you must represent the interest of the party at any given time. Loyalty is absolutely and undoubtedly the major role of any Executive member of the party.

General Responsibilities Unwritten  General Roles and Responsibilities are not written  but they are very important.

Below are some of  the unwritten roles and responsibilities of Party Executive at all times .

1. Leadership

2. Representation

3. Direction

4. Accountability

5. Goal Setting

6. Goal oriented

7. Discipline

8. Adequate and timely Information Sharing

9. Ability to Resolve problems and not be the problem

10. Dispense benefits and rewards Justly.

11. Ability to foresee problems ahead and provide solution

12. Develop further improvement agenda

13. Grassroots participation

Furthermore:

The party Exco members should  not depend on the accounts of LGA and Ward Chairmen only. They must have multiple  sources  of information  on what is on ground  at the ward level on any topic such as preparation  for elections and the party’s chances of winning or loosing.

After all Said and done in this Brief summary I want to sieze an opportunity here to appreciate I thank my team who worked with me tirelessly sometimes with sleepless nights to ensure the victory Lagos State enjoyed over the years. The Successful elections for 3 Gubernatorial Seats consecutively, I can assure you was not easy. But indeed we were dedicated, focused and determined. We worked in a mutual respectful environment where everyone was equal and non was disenfranchised. That guaranteed success from within before even the conclusions outside on the field. It is and always indeed a pleasure to serve.

I also want to thank you all Especially my Brother Hon. Pst. Cornelius Ojelabi the present State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Lagos State and by extension the entire executive working Committee of this great Party, for the honour to come here and grant this Lecture. I’m glad and happy to be here and I pray God grants you all a very very successful tenure. God bless you all and…

God Bless Apc

God bless Lagos State

God bless Nigeria