By Our Correspondent

National News – Businessman and politician, Tein Jack-Rich, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress against neglecting founding members in favour of new defectors joining the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He gave the warning in Abuja while submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest for the Rivers West Senatorial District seat under the APC platform.

Jack-Rich said while the increasing number of politicians joining the APC showed the party’s growing influence, long-time members who supported the party from its early days should not be pushed aside.

According to him, the APC must strike a balance between welcoming new entrants and rewarding loyal members who remained committed during difficult periods.

The APC chieftain recalled that many early supporters faced criticism and political pressure when the party was struggling to gain national acceptance.

He stressed that those sacrifices should not be forgotten now that the APC controls the presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Jack-Rich, who described himself as a consistent supporter of APC candidates at state and national levels, said he had backed governors, lawmakers, senators, and presidential candidates over the years.

He maintained that loyalty and dedication to the party should continue to be recognised as new political figures defect into the ruling party.

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

He expressed confidence in winning both the APC primaries and the general election.

The businessman also highlighted his more than 28 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, saying it would help him contribute effectively to legislative discussions, especially on energy policies and oil production.

He described Rivers West as a major economic zone and one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing districts.