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Political commentator Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has criticized the All People’s Congress (APC), asserting that the party committed a significant procedural error by failing to secure parliamentary ratification for key national agreements.
Blyden argued that both the 2023 Agreement for National Unity and the subsequent 2024 Tripartite Document were not submitted to Parliament for approval in accordance with Section 40(4) of the 1991 Constitution, leaving the processes constitutionally exposed.
“The Agreement for National Unity and its subsidiary Tripartite Document were never taken to Parliament for ratification under Section 40(4),” she stated.
“That constituted a critical oversight. Bypassing foundational steps almost inevitably leads to subsequent complications.”
Drawing comparisons with the Lomé Peace Agreement, Blyden noted that the 1999 accord followed established constitutional procedures, including parliamentary ratification, which strengthened its enforceability and long-term legitimacy.
In her analysis, Blyden stressed the importance of experience, institutional knowledge, and strict procedural discipline in constitutional governance. She maintained that adherence to due process is essential to confer institutional legitimacy on national agreements and to guard against future disputes.
According to her, the APC’s failure to complete the ratification process exposed the party to avoidable legal and political challenges, potentially undermining the credibility of the agreements.
Blyden further emphasized that future negotiations must prioritize full constitutional compliance, urging political actors to engage experienced and competent individuals to ensure that similar procedural lapses do not recur. While she did not explicitly call for her return to any negotiating role, her commentary underscored the critical role of expertise in navigating complex political and constitutional matters.
She should have said this long ago not now, this is ridiculous 🙄 😒