ADC moves to review constitution to boost electoral chances

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has initiated another major internal reform process with the inauguration of its Constitution Review Committee, a move the party said is critical to strengthening its internal democracy and positioning it as a credible national alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

But Deputy National Chairman of the party, during the tenure of former Chairman Humphrey Nwosu, Hon. Nafiu Bala, is insisting he remains the party’s authentic National Chairman while dismissing the Sen. David Mark-led National Executive Committee (NEC) as illegal and unconstitutional.

The extant Constitution, in effect since the party’s inception in 2006, has undergone several reviews and contentious amendments, some of which have led to litigations.

Inaugurating the committee on Thursday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, said the exercise was central to the growth and institutional strengthening of the relatively young party.

The 22-member committee chaired by Etigwe Uwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), include former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha; former party National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu; former Minority Leader Hon. Mohammed Kumaila; Senator E.Y. Orker Jev; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Professor Lawal Salihu; retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Adamu; Professor Mohammed Sani Bello and former House of Representatives member Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, among others.

The committee is mandated to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing ADC constitution and identify areas requiring amendment, clarification or updating, as well as ensure alignment with global best practices in democratic governance and party administration.

In addition, the group is expected to review the structures of the party, electoral and disciplinary processes, membership administration and compliance with Nigeria’s constitution and electoral laws.

The committee was mandated to submit an interim report with proposed amendments to the National Working Committee within 30 days.

The National Chairman described the constitution review as a demonstration of the party’s resolve to build strong democratic values, internal cohesion and effective governance, stressing that the party’s constitution remains its foundational guide as well as safeguarding its internal democracy.

Mark said the review had become necessary as the party expands in reach and responsibility, adding that the goal was to ensure the constitution reflects present realities, anticipates future challenges and aligns with global best practices in democratic party administration.

Noting that the exercise was not aimed at altering the party’s core ideals, the former Senate President said, “This exercise is not about changing principles; it is about strengthening them. 

“It is about ensuring clarity, fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability in our structures and processes.”

He said the revised constitution must empower members, promote unity, resolve disputes fairly and position the ADC as “a credible alternative for national leadership.”

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But Bala, who identified himself as the party’s substantive chairman, said the ADC was not factionalised, arguing that those claiming parallel leadership positions were not recognised members of the party and had no constitutional standing.

“As far as we are concerned in ADC, we are an authentic party leadership. Those people, they are not even a cadre member of the ADC. I will not see them as party members. They are not even our party members,” he said.

He accused the rival group of falsely presenting itself as party leadership and disclosed that the matter was already before the courts.

“Already, we are before the court. I told them we are filing a matter before the court. I am challenging INEC on what they are doing,” Bala stated.

He alleged that the party’s former national chairman, Nwosu did not voluntarily resign and denied claims that party officials had lawfully stepped down and communicated such changes to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Our former national chairman resigned involuntarily. And they are saying names were submitted to INEC and everybody resigned their position. This is not the truth,” he said.

Bala explained that under the party’s constitution, he assumed leadership lawfully following developments within the party structure.

“Before the national chairman resigned his position, automatically, our party constitution gave me this political power to take over the party national chairmanship office,” he said.

He faulted INEC for what he described as overreach, insisting the electoral body had no authority to determine party leadership.

“The court and INEC have no right to choose our party leadership. My name is before INEC. I was elected during the last convention. My tenure is coming to an end, but as far as our party constitution is concerned, I am the authentic party national chairman,” Nafiu said.

Raising concerns about INEC’s actions, he accused the commission of encouraging illegality by recognising rival claims.

“When INEC puts the name of David Mark on their website, already notifying INEC, this is illegality. They are taking the wrong decision against our party constitution,” he said.

Nafiu added that his camp had taken legal steps to halt further actions pending judicial determination.

“This is the reason why, immediately after notifying INEC of their error, we filed a matter before the court. We cannot do anything until what the court says. We continue running our party as the authentic party leadership,” Nafiu said.

In a direct message to prominent political figures, Bala warned against bypassing party procedures.

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“I want to draw the attention of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, and other people claiming positions, including David Mark and Aregbesola, to follow the process of our party constitution.

“If they want to join us, they should go to their various ward levels and register with us first as party members, to avoid anything about party internal crisis,” Nafiu added.

However, checks on the lNEC website as of the time of filing this report show that official recognition has been accorded to the David Mark–led group.