The African Democratic Congress (ADC) concluded its national convention on Tuesday, Abuja, after delegates overwhelmingly approved amendments to the party’s constitution and ratified the transition of the National Working Committee (NWC) to a new leadership team headed by National Chairman David Mark.
The convention, held at the Rainbow Event Centre, attracted 1,576 accredited delegates, of whom 1,471 voted in favour of the constitutional amendments, a 94 per cent majority. Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub‑Committee, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, announced the results, noting that only eleven votes were declared void.
Constitutional Amendments and Leadership Transition
During the proceedings, the ADC’s Legal and Convention Processes Committee, chaired by Olumide Apata, ratified resolutions adopted at the 97th, 98th and 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. Chief among the changes was the suspension of zoning provisions for executive positions, the waiver of membership requirements, and the removal of the rule that a vacant office must be filled by a candidate from the same zone as the previous holder.
The 99th NEC meeting dissolved the National Working Committee led by Chief Ralph Nwosu and formally installed the David Mark‑led NWC to assume full responsibility for the party’s affairs. The convention confirmed the resolution, marking a decisive shift in the party’s organisational structure.
Expulsions and Political Rhetoric
The convention also announced the expulsion of factional chairman Nafiu Bala and House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, along with several other members accused of anti‑party activities and attempts to sow confusion within the ranks. The expulsions were supported by a motion moved by Senator Binos Yaroe and seconded by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a senior ADC figure, criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during his address, alleging that the agency is being used to undermine democracy. He singled out INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan for alleged illegalities, calling for a return to true democracy. In a separate speech, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi highlighted Nigeria’s escalating debt, noting that the current government’s borrowing has risen from ₦87 trillion to nearly ₦200 trillion despite the removal of the petrol subsidy. Obi warned that the country is “heading to disaster.”
Former Rivers State Governor and ex‑Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing the situation in parts of the country as reminiscent of a civil war. He recalled his tenure as governor, emphasizing the importance of decisive leadership in combating crime. Former Interior Minister and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola criticised President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, labeling it a scam and urging the president to resign amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Despite a court ruling that exempted INEC from monitoring the ADC’s congresses and national convention, the party proceeded with state congresses and the national gathering, drawing a broad spectrum of party faithful and stalwarts to the venue. The convention’s outcomes, particularly the constitutional amendments and the leadership transition, are expected to reshape the party’s strategic direction as it prepares for the 2027 presidential election at Aso Rock.
