The African Democratic Congress has concluded its national convention in Abuja, where delegates overwhelmingly approved amendments to the party’s constitution, marking a significant turning point in its internal restructuring.
At the close of voting, the Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub-Committee and former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, announced that 1,576 delegates were accredited, with 11 votes voided.
A total of 1,471 delegates voted in favour of the amendment, representing 94 per cent.
“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, before voting commenced, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, led the ratification of resolutions reached at the party’s 97th, 98th and 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
The National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, outlined key decisions, including a waiver of membership requirements, suspension of zoning provisions for executive positions, and the suspension of rules requiring replacement of vacant offices by individuals from the same zone.
The 99th NEC meeting also dissolved the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) with immediate effect, paving the way for a new leadership under David Mark, a decision ratified by delegates at the convention.
In his closing remarks, National Chairman David Mark described the gathering as a milestone, noting that despite attending several conventions during his time in the Peoples Democratic Party, none matched the organisation of the ADC event.
He described the convention as an “excellent performance” and declared it the beginning of the party’s march toward the Presidential Villa in 2027.
“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.
The convention also witnessed the expulsion of several members, including factional chairman Nafiu Bala and Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Others affected include Kingsley Temitope, Noman Obinna, Kennedy Odion, Stella Chukwuma, and four additional members.
The party said the expulsions were due to alleged anti-party activities and attempts to destabilise its structure.
The motion was moved by Senator Binos Yaroe and seconded by Abdussamad Dasuki.
Earlier at the convention, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of undermining democracy.
He specifically criticised the electoral body’s leadership, alleging complicity in actions that threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.
“I will not end these remarks without indicting the chairman of INEC and INEC itself because it is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country.
“Let the chairman know we are not going to let him get away with his illegalities… we will not and I hope we will have your support and cooperation to make sure we return to true democracy,” Atiku said.
Also speaking, former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the country’s rising debt profile.
He warned that Nigeria is “heading to disaster,” arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy had not translated into reduced borrowing.
“When this government came into being, they removed subsidy on petroleum. But today, despite that removal, the government has continued borrowing.
“The previous administration left a debt of about N87 trillion. Today, we are close to N200 trillion. We are heading to disaster,” he said.
Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, expressed concern over worsening insecurity, likening recent developments to civil war conditions.
“I watched yesterday in Nasarawa—people were running away from their community like a civil war. The civil war image came back to my head,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in office, he stressed the importance of decisive leadership in tackling crime.
“When I was governor of Rivers State, you couldn’t commit a crime, and I would sleep. I wouldn’t sleep until you were arrested,” he added.
Former Minister of Interior and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, criticised President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, describing it as ineffective.
“Distinguished delegates, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future.
”Now, it still holds promise and offers renewed hope. When exactly will this hope come into fruition? The answer is simple. It is a scam,” he said.
Despite the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission not to monitor the convention due to a court ruling, the party proceeded with its congresses and national gathering.
Party members and stakeholders participated fully in the process, culminating in the constitutional amendment and leadership changes seen as pivotal to the party’s future direction.
