Isaac Samuel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has amended its constitution and ratified a new National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Senate President, David Mark, in what party leaders described as a defining moment for opposition politics in Nigeria.
The convention also ratified former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as its national secretary.
The decision was taken by delegates at the party’s national convention held on Tuesday in Abuja, where key structural and leadership changes were approved with overwhelming support.
Chairman of the convention’s electoral sub-committee and former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, announced that 1,576 delegates were accredited for the exercise, with 11 votes declared void.
He disclosed that 1,471 delegates voted in favour of the constitutional amendment, representing 94 per cent approval.
“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,” Ihedioha said.
The convention also ratified resolutions from the party’s 97th, 98th and 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings, alongside the adoption of decisions from its 100th NEC meeting held on March 25, 2026, moved by Senator Ireti Kingibe.
Outlining key decisions reached at the convention, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, said delegates approved sweeping reforms, including a waiver of membership requirements, suspension of zoning provisions for executive offices, and the suspension of rules mandating that vacant positions be filled by individuals from the same zone as their predecessors.
In his acceptance remarks, Mark thanked delegates for reaffirming his leadership, describing the convention as one of the best organised he had attended.
He characterised the gathering as a historic turning point, noting that moments of transformation are defined not by dramatic events but by the decisions of leaders and citizens.
“Years from now, Nigerians will look back at this day—Tuesday, April 14, 2026—and ask: where were you when the ADC stood up? Where were you when the voice of the people was under threat, and Nigerians gathered to say democracy will not die on our watch?” he said.
According to him, the convention, the first under his leadership symbolises the resilience of opposition politics and a renewed commitment to democratic values.
“This convention will go down as one of the most significant gatherings in recent Nigerian history—not because of who is here, but because of what it represents: the unyielding survival of opposition democracy,” he added.
Mark reiterated that the ADC was founded on service rather than personal ambition, pledging to reposition the party as a credible platform for national transformation.
He, however, alleged that the party had faced institutional and bureaucratic obstacles, citing recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he claimed raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic processes and attempts to frustrate the convention.
Despite the challenges, he said the party remained resolute.
“We will not bow, we will not cower, and we will not retreat. What is at stake is not just the ADC, but the survival of our democracy,” Mark declared.
He called on opposition leaders across party lines to unite in defence of democracy and to address the country’s challenges, urging party members to uphold unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
Mark also congratulated newly elected officials at various levels and appealed to those who did not emerge victorious to remain committed to the party.
“The ADC belongs to the Nigerian people, and our mission is to build a platform that reflects their aspirations and delivers real change,” he said.
Meanwhile, the convention also took disciplinary actions against some members over alleged anti-party activities.
The Mark-led leadership announced the expulsion of a factional chairman, Nafiu Bala and the member representing Yagba federal constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide,
It also announced the expulsion of other party members, including a factional leader, Kingsley Temitope, Noman Obinna, Kennedy Odion, Stella Chukwuma, and four others.
According to the party, the affected members were expelled for alleged anti-party activities and attempts to create confusion and instability within the party.
The motion for their expulsion was moved by Binos Yaroe, the senator for Adamawa South Senatorial District and seconded by Abdussamad Dasuki, representing Kebbi/Tambuwal federal constituency at the House of Representatives.
