By Ahmed Akanbi

‎Founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the umbrella of G37, have urged President Bola Tinubu and the party leadership to recognise and reward the pioneers who laid the foundation of the ruling party, warning that continued neglect could erode loyalty ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‎The appeal was made on Tuesday during a solidarity visit to the APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Dr Benjamin Obi Nwoye, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

‎The delegation comprised former state chairmen and key figures from the legacy parties that merged to form the APC.

‎Speaking on behalf of the group, G37 leader and former Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, state chairman, Comrade Cletus Obum, said the pioneers had remained committed through the Alliance for Democracy, AD, Action Congress, AC, ACN, and the eventual merger that produced the APC, yet had received little recognition for their sacrifices.

‎Obum traced the origin of the progressive merger to as far back as 2004, with early discussions involving the late Chief Alex Ameh and Tinubu, long before the formal coalition that birthed the APC. He said the history must not be rewritten to exclude those who toiled in the formative years.

‎“A stream must never forget its source. When pioneers are neglected, loyalty is weakened and younger politicians begin to believe that politics is merely transactional,” Obum said.

‎He argued that recognition in appointments, committee memberships and election duties would strengthen cohesion within the party.

‎The G37 leader also predicted that the opposition would suffer what he termed its “final political burial” before 2027, expressing confidence that the APC would consolidate its dominance. However, he stressed that a viable opposition remained important for democratic balance.

‎Obum commended Nwoye for his humility and compassion, citing instances where the deputy national chairman personally supported bereaved party members and families of deceased former state chairmen, including widows.

‎He urged the leadership to sustain the tradition of deploying experienced legacy members to off-cycle governorship elections and other strategic assignments.

‎Responding, Nwoye assured the delegation that the contributions of founding members would not be forgotten.

‎“The struggle to build a stronger APC is still ongoing,” he said, describing the visit as emotional and inspiring.

‎“You have not been forgotten. My story is your story. We are only just beginning to write the story,” Nwoye told the delegation.

‎He acknowledged concerns over the welfare of legacy members and pledged to continue advocating for greater inclusion within the party structure and government.

‎The deputy national chairman noted that while the APC had welcomed new members over the years, it must continue to honour those who built the party from its formative years. He said the party’s diverse roots — AD, AC, ACN, ANPP, CPC and other blocs — remain one of its greatest strengths. ?

‎Nwoye urged members to remain united and avoid distractions as preparations for 2027 gather momentum. He also called for support for President Tinubu’s administration, pointing to ongoing road infrastructure projects across the country as evidence of commitment to national development.

‎He further appealed to aggrieved members not to abandon the party over delayed appointments, insisting that their continued participation was vital to strengthening the APC. The G37 said it would keep engaging the leadership to ensure that loyalty and sacrifice are duly rewarded.