Businessman and politician, Tein Jack-Rich, has cautioned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress against sidelining long-standing party loyalists in favour of 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 under the platform of the APC.
In a statement signed on Thursday, the APC chieftain acknowledged that the growing number of new members joining the party was a positive development for democracy, but stressed that founding members and loyal supporters must continue to be recognised and respected.
“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 stated.
Drawing an analogy, Jack-Rich said the party must strike a balance between embracing newcomers and protecting the interests of loyal members.
“It is important to hold dearly your biological child while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained,” he said.
The Rivers West senatorial aspirant noted that many early APC supporters endured difficult times when the party faced criticism and uncertainty, adding that such sacrifices should not be forgotten now that the APC 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 declared.
Jack-Rich described himself as one of the party’s consistent backers at both state and national levels, saying he had supported several APC candidates over the years, including governors, lawmakers, senators and presidential candidates.
Speaking on his ambition to represent Rivers West in the Senate, he said his decision was driven by a desire to provide experienced and effective representation for the district.
He also expressed confidence in securing victory at both the APC 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.
Highlighting his professional background, Jack-Rich said his more than 28 years of experience in the oil and gas sector would enable him to contribute meaningfully to legislative discussions, especially on energy-related matters.
“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 added.
He further described Rivers West Senatorial District as a critical economic hub and one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing regions.
“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 stated.