Delegates at the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja have ratified key constitutional amendments and elected former Senate President David Mark as chair of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
At the convention held on Tuesday, accredited delegates from across the federation overwhelmingly approved changes to the party’s constitution with 1,471 votes in favour out of 1,582 cast, according to officials who supervised the voting process. The amendments were certified after 1,576 delegates were accredited and 11 ballots declared void, reflecting robust participation in the internal reform process.
The convening also ratified resolutions from several National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings, including policy and organisational frameworks aimed at strengthening the party’s governance structures. Among the measures adopted were waivers of certain membership requirements and adjustments to executive succession rules that suspend previous zoning provisions for officers.
Senator David Mark, who now chairs the National Working Committee, described the convention as one of the most well-organised he has attended, signalling optimism about the party’s direction. “Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Villa and all of you are part of this history,” he said in his closing remarks, emphasising unity and collective purpose as the party prepares for future political engagements.
The convention also adopted resolutions addressing the party manifesto and nationwide congresses, with motions moved by senior party figures including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Ireti Kingibe. These measures reflect a concerted effort by ADC leadership to position the party as a credible national alternative as the political calendar advances.
The event has been interpreted by analysts as part of broader strategic repositioning within Nigeria’s opposition politics, with the ADC seeking to unify internal factions and bolster organisational coherence ahead of key electoral cycles. Some observers see the constitutional amendments as an attempt to streamline decision-making processes and enable more flexible leadership arrangements.
Despite recent legal disputes over competing leadership claims within the party — including cases brought before the courts questioning the legitimacy of certain leadership structures — the convention’s outcomes signal a reaffirmation of the Mark-led faction’s dominance within the ADC political apparatus.
Political commentators note that the consolidation of leadership and the ratification of constitutional amendments could provide the ADC with clearer direction as it engages with political stakeholders and pursues its objectives in the evolving landscape of Nigerian party politics.
In his concluding address, David Mark reiterated the party’s commitment to democratic values, inclusiveness, and national development, urging delegates to remain focused on growth and unity within the organisation.