- The African Democratic Congress concluded its national convention in Abuja, amending its constitution and dissolving the Ralph Nwosu-led leadership
- Former Senate President David Mark was installed as new party leader, declaring a push towards the 2027 presidential race
- The convention proceeded amid disputes with Independent National Electoral Commission, internal expulsions and ongoing leadership legitimacy challenges
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday concluded its national convention in Abuja, with delegates voting overwhelmingly to amend the party’s constitution and restructure its leadership hierarchy.
Despite tensions surrounding its internal crisis and a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold monitoring over a court-related dispute, the party proceeded with its congresses across states and eventually held its convention.
At the event, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified the dissolution of the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC), immediately replacing it with a new leadership structure led by former Senate President, David Mark.
Addressing delegates, Mark described the convention as a turning point for the party, declaring it the beginning of its journey towards the presidency in 2027. “Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Villa,” he said, adding that the party was positioning itself as a serious contender in the next general elections.
The convention was held against the backdrop of legal and administrative uncertainty, including INEC’s earlier decision to de-recognise the leadership claims of both Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, citing a leadership dispute and a Court of Appeal ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026.
INEC also stated that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and would not monitor its internal congresses. However, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, maintained that the party had complied with statutory requirements, including issuing INEC the mandatory 21-day notice.
The convention also witnessed disciplinary actions, including the expulsion of factional chairman Nafiu Bala and several others, among them House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, over alleged anti-party activities and attempts to destabilise the organisation.
Speaking on the proceedings, party chieftain Dino Melaye said attempts to frustrate the convention—including alleged efforts to deny access to the venue—were unsuccessful. He insisted that the party had fulfilled all contractual obligations for the event space and would not be stopped by external pressure.
Similarly, former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan described the challenges faced in securing a venue as “shameful,” alleging that multiple facilities in Abuja declined to host the event under pressure.
The convention also drew political reactions, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accusing INEC of undermining democratic processes and warning against interference in opposition activities.
Meanwhile, public affairs analyst Nduka Odo described the convention as a sign that the ADC was beginning to assert itself as a more active opposition force. He argued that the party must continue to challenge the political establishment if it hopes to remain relevant ahead of 2027.
However, governance and electoral experts cautioned against escalating tensions. President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), Olu Omotayo, urged all parties to allow the courts to determine the legality of the internal disputes, warning that continued confrontation could further heat up the political environment.
The convention marks a significant moment in the ADC’s internal restructuring efforts, even as questions remain over its leadership legitimacy and recognition by electoral authorities.
ADC insists convention will hold despite venue dispute
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention planning committee, Dino Melaye, has declared that no force can prevent the party from proceeding with its scheduled convention, despite reported attempts to deny access to the venue.
The convention, slated for Tuesday, had faced uncertainty amid claims that organisers were being blocked from using the agreed facility. Concerns emerged after reports suggested that the party was at risk of losing the venue at the last minute.