The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has concluded its national convention in Abuja, where delegates overwhelmingly voted to amend the party’s constitution despite ongoing legal and administrative challenges.
The convention proceeded even after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would not monitor the proceedings, citing a court ruling that complicated the party’s internal leadership dispute. INEC had earlier removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official records as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, following a Court of Appeal judgment.
Undeterred, the ADC pressed ahead with its congresses and convention. The National Executive Committee meeting dissolved the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee with immediate effect, with the David Mark-led NWC assuming full responsibility for the party’s affairs. This resolution was ratified by the convention.
Speaking at the event, National Chairman David Mark described the gathering as an “excellent performance” and framed it as the beginning of the party’s journey toward the presidency in 2027. “Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Villa, and all of you here are part of this history,” he said.
The convention was not without controversy. Party officials reported deliberate attempts to frustrate their preparations, including venue complications and last-minute uncertainties. Despite these obstacles, the ADC insisted on exercising its right to assemble within the bounds of the law.
During the convention, the party expelled factional chairman Nafiu Bala, lawmaker Leke Abejide, and several others over alleged anti-party activities and efforts to destabilise the organisation.
Public affairs analyst Nduka Odo viewed the convention as a sign of renewed political courage, noting that the ADC’s decision to proceed despite challenges marks a departure from its previously passive stance. He urged the party to maintain this confrontational posture toward the ruling government and its institutions.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar used the occasion to criticise INEC, alleging that the commission was being used to undermine Nigeria’s democracy. He called on the Federal Government to respect democratic processes and warned that the party would not allow what he described as “illegalities” to go unchallenged.
Civil society representatives, including Olu Omotayo of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network, urged INEC to allow the courts to determine the legality of the convention rather than escalating political tensions through administrative directives.
