ADC Holds National Convention, Amends Constitution as David Mark Vows 2027 Aso Rock March

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday concluded its national convention in Abuja, with an overwhelming majority of delegates voting in favour of amending the party’s constitution a move party leaders described as a decisive step toward a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The convention, held at the Rainbow Event Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, saw 1,471 of the 1,576 accredited delegates vote “yes” to the constitutional amendment, representing 94 per cent of valid votes cast. Eleven votes were voided.

Announcing the result, the Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub-Committee and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, declared that the party’s constitution had been duly amended by the convention.

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“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,” Ihedioha stated.

Prior to the vote, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, led the ratification of resolutions from the party’s 97th, 98th and 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. National Organising Secretary Chinedu Idigo outlined the resolutions adopted, which included a waiver of certain membership requirements, the suspension of zoning provisions for executive positions, and the suspension of a rule mandating that vacant offices be filled by persons from the same geopolitical zone as their predecessors.

The convention also ratified a resolution from the 99th NEC meeting dissolving the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) with immediate effect, with the David Mark-led NWC assuming full control of the party’s affairs.

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Mark: ‘Today Marks the Beginning of Our Journey to the Villa’

In his closing remarks, ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for 2027, drawing comparisons with national conventions he had attended as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — none of which, he said, matched the organisation and conduct of Tuesday’s event.

“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 told delegates.

Atiku Fires at INEC Chairman

Also addressing the convention, former Vice President and ADC chieftain Atiku Abubakar levelled serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of being weaponised to subvert democratic processes in Nigeria.

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Atiku specifically called out INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing him of engaging in illegalities, and warned that the opposition would not stand by while democracy was eroded.

“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,” Atiku declared, urging delegates to remain committed to the defence of democratic governance.

Obi Warns of Impending Economic Disaster

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi used his address to condemn the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy, warning that Nigeria was on a dangerous fiscal trajectory.

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Obi noted that while the removal of petrol subsidy was originally justified as a measure to halt borrowing and free up funds for development, the current administration had instead continued to accumulate debt at an alarming rate.

According to him, Nigeria’s debt profile has risen from approximately ₦87 trillion left by the previous administration to nearly ₦200 trillion — an increase of over 130 per cent even as contractors remain unpaid and capital projects in the 2025 budget remain unfunded.

“We are heading to disaster,” Obi warned.

Amaechi Raises Insecurity Alarm

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi used his speech to raise concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, saying scenes of mass displacement in Nasarawa State reminded him of the Nigerian Civil War.

Amaechi reflected on his tenure as governor, emphasising the need for decisive and restless leadership in combating crime and insecurity.

Aregbesola: ‘Renewed Hope is a Scam’

Former Minister of Interior and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola delivered perhaps the most pointed attack of the day, describing President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam and calling on the President to resign over the country’s worsening economic and security conditions.

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“Four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future. Now, three years into its four-year term, it still holds promise and offers renewed hope. When exactly will this hope come into fruition? The answer is simple. It is a scam,” Aregbesola said, urging delegates to commit to removing the administration from power.

The convention proceeded despite the earlier decision by INEC not to monitor the ADC’s congresses and national convention, following a court ruling. The party pressed ahead regardless, with party faithful and stalwarts converging at the venue to conduct its business and chart a course toward 2027.