The African Democratic Congress concluded its national convention on Tuesday in Abuja, with delegates overwhelmingly voting to amend the party’s constitution.
At the end of voting, the Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub-Committee and former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, announced the result.
He said a total of 1,576 delegates were accredited, while 11 votes were voided. A total of 1,471 delegates voted “yes” to amend the constitution, representing 94 per cent.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, before voting commenced, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, led the ratification of resolutions on key issues concerning the party at the 97th, 98th and 99th NEC meetings.
Chinedu Idigo, the National Organising Secretary, outlined the resolutions passed, including a waiver of membership requirements, the suspension of zoning provisions for executive positions, and the suspension of the rule requiring that a vacant office be filled by someone from the same zone as the previous occupant.
The 99th NEC meeting of the ADC dissolved the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) with immediate effect, while the David Mark-led NWC assumed full responsibility for running the affairs of the party. The resolution was ratified by the convention.
In his closing remarks, National Chairman David Mark said he had, as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attended several national conventions, none of which he said matched the organisation of Tuesday’s ADC convention.
He described the convention as an “excellent performance” and said it marked the beginning of the party’s journey to Aso Rock in 2027.
“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 said.
At the convention, the party announced the expulsion of factional chairman, Nafiu Bala, and the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide.
It also confirmed the expulsion of other members, including factional leader Kingsley Temitope, Noman Obinna, Kennedy Odion, Stella Chukwuma, and four others.
The party said the affected individuals were removed over alleged anti-party activities and attempts to create confusion and instability within its ranks.
The motion for their expulsion was moved by Senator Binos Yaroe of Adamawa South Senatorial District and seconded by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, who represents the Kebbi/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
