ADC amends constitution, ratifies leadership changes at national convention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) concluded its national convention on Tuesday in Abuja, with delegates overwhelmingly voting to amend the party’s constitution and endorsing wide-ranging organisational changes.

At the end of voting, the Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub-Committee and former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, announced the result, stating that 1,576 delegates were accredited while 11 votes were voided. He added that 1,471 delegates voted in favour of the constitutional amendment, representing 94 per cent support.

“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,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, led the ratification of resolutions from the party’s 97th, 98th and 99th NEC meetings. These included waivers on membership requirements, suspension of zoning provisions for executive positions, and suspension of rules requiring that vacant offices be filled by persons from the same zone as predecessors.

The 99th NEC meeting also dissolved the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC), with the David Mark-led NWC assuming full control of the party’s affairs. The decision was ratified by the convention.

In his closing remarks, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, described the convention as highly organised and said it marked the beginning of the party’s journey towards the 2027 general elections.

“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,” he said.

The convention also witnessed the expulsion of several party members, including factional chairman Nafiu Bala, House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, and others accused of anti-party activities and attempts to destabilise the party. A motion for their expulsion was moved and seconded during the proceedings.

Earlier, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was being used to undermine democracy, accusing the commission’s leadership of bias and “illegalities.”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also criticised the federal government’s economic policies, warning that rising debt levels were pushing Nigeria towards “disaster,” despite the removal of fuel subsidy.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi raised concerns over insecurity, likening conditions in parts of the country to a “civil war” situation, while former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola described the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a “scam” and called for urgent political change.

Despite INEC’s absence from the exercise following a court-related dispute, the ADC proceeded with its congresses and national convention, which ended with major constitutional amendments and leadership ratifications.