Businessman and politician Tein Jack-Rich has warned the All Progressives Congress against pushing aside loyal party members as new entrants continue to flood the ruling party.
Jack-Rich spoke in Abuja on Thursday while submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms for the Rivers West Senatorial seat under the APC.
The APC chieftain said the party must protect and recognise members who supported it from the beginning while still welcoming new members.
“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.”
Jack-Rich said many early APC supporters remained loyal when others doubted the party’s future.
“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.”
He described himself as a long-time supporter of the APC at both state and national levels, adding that he had backed several party candidates over the years.
Speaking on his senatorial ambition, Jack-Rich expressed confidence in winning both the APC primaries and the general election.
He also said his 28 years of experience in the oil and gas industry would help him contribute to energy-related legislation if elected.
Jack-Rich described Rivers West as a key oil-producing district and said his understanding of the area would help him represent the people effectively.
