The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has held its national convention in Abuja, where delegates overwhelmingly voted to amend the party’s constitution amid tensions over alleged regulatory and legal constraints.
The exercise, described by party leaders as hitch-free, took place despite reported bottlenecks and disagreements with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declined to supervise the convention, citing an ongoing court ruling. The party, however, maintained that its activities were strictly internal and proceeded as scheduled.
During the convention, the National Executive Committee (NEC) dissolved the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) with immediate effect and ratified a new leadership structure headed by former Senate President David Mark, who now assumes control of the party’s affairs.
Speaking at the event, Mark described the convention as an “excellent performance” and said it marked the beginning of the party’s journey toward the 2027 general elections and ultimately Aso Rock, expressing confidence in its political future.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party had duly issued INEC the required 21-day notice for its activities and that the commission acknowledged receipt, insisting the ADC would continue its internal processes regardless of INEC’s position.
The convention also witnessed disciplinary actions, including the expulsion of factional chairman Nafiu Bala, Kogi lawmaker Leke Abejide, and several others accused of anti-party activities and attempts to destabilise the party.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused INEC of undermining democratic processes, alleging that the electoral body was being used to weaken opposition parties, a claim that has continued to generate political reactions.
Political observers, however, say the convention signals a renewed effort by the ADC to reposition itself as a stronger opposition force ahead of future elections, despite ongoing legal and institutional disputes surrounding its activities.
