ADC Amends Constitution, Elects David Mark Chairman at National Convention, Eyes 2027

By Emmanuel Kwada

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday concluded its national convention in Abuja, where delegates overwhelmingly approved amendments to the party’s constitution, ratified key resolutions, and signalled strong ambitions for the 2027 general elections.

A total of 1,576 delegates were accredited for the event held at the Rainbow Event Centre. Of these, 1,471 voted in favour of the constitutional amendments, representing 94 percent of valid votes, with 11 votes declared void.

Cross-section photograph of ADC delegates at the national convention.

Announcing the outcome, Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub-Committee and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, declared: “Distinguished delegates, by virtue of this result announced, it means that the constitution of the African Democratic Congress has today been duly amended by this convention that took place at the Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja.”

Before the voting exercise, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, led the ratification of resolutions from the party’s 97th, 98th, and 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.

National Organising Secretary Chinedu Idigo outlined the key decisions, which included waiving certain membership requirements, suspending zoning provisions for executive positions, and suspending rules on filling vacant offices by candidates from the same zone as the previous occupant.

By next year, when we move to the Villa, I will remind you again.

The convention also ratified the 99th NEC resolution that dissolved the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) with immediate effect. The David Mark-led NWC was formally empowered to run the party’s affairs.

In his closing remarks, ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator David Mark, described the convention as an “excellent performance,” surpassing several PDP conventions he had attended in the past.

“Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Villa, and all of you here are part of this history. By next year, when we move to the Villa, I will remind you again,” Mark said, referring to the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock.

Delegates casting their votes

The convention also addressed internal divisions by ratifying the expulsion of several members over alleged anti-party activities and attempts to foment confusion.

Those expelled include factional chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, House of Representatives member Leke Abejide (representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State), Kingsley Temitope, Noman Obinna, Kennedy Odion, Stella Chukwuma, and four others.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by Senator Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South) and seconded by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (Kebbi/Tambuwal Federal Constituency).

High-profile speakers at the convention used the platform to criticise the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

We are heading to disaster, contractors remain unpaid and 2025 budget projects are largely unfunded.

Former Vice President and ADC chieftain Atiku Abubakar alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was being used to undermine democracy.

He specifically criticised INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan over alleged illegalities and vowed that the opposition would not allow such actions to stand.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s mounting debt, noting that the debt had risen from about ₦87 trillion left by the previous administration to nearly ₦200 trillion despite the removal of the petrol subsidy.

“We are heading to disaster,” Obi warned, adding that contractors remain unpaid and 2025 budget projects are largely unfunded.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi raised the alarm over rising insecurity, comparing scenes in Nasarawa State to images from the Nigerian Civil War.

He recounted his zero-tolerance approach to crime during his time as governor.

Former Minister of Interior and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, described the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a “scam” and urged decisive action to prevent its continuation.

The convention proceeded despite INEC’s decision not to monitor the party’s congresses and national convention, citing a court ruling.

Party leaders and delegates nevertheless conducted state congresses and successfully held the national event.

The gathering brought together major opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others, underscoring efforts to build a formidable coalition ahead of 2027.

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