ABUJA:  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) successfully concluded its national convention in Abuja on Tuesday, marked by a significant act of defiance against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite the electoral umpire’s refusal to monitor the proceedings, the party proceeded with constitutional amendments and a total overhaul of its National Working Committee (NWC).

Leadership Shake-up and Constitutional Reforms

The convention served as a pivot point for the party’s internal governance. Delegates overwhelmingly voted to:

• Amend the Party Constitution: Ratifying new internal frameworks.

• Dissolve the NWC: The Ralph Nwosu-led NWC was dissolved with immediate effect.

• Confirm New Leadership: The David Mark-led NWC assumed full responsibility for the party’s administration, a move David Mark described as the "beginning of the journey to Aso Rock in 2027."

In a move to consolidate power and enforce party discipline, the convention also ratified the expulsion of several high-profile members for alleged anti-party activities. Among those expelled were factional chairman Nafiu Bala and Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives.

The Stand-off with INEC

The convention took place against a backdrop of intense legal and administrative friction. INEC had previously announced it would not recognize the leadership of David Mark or monitor ADC activities, citing a leadership vacuum and a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment (Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026).

The ADC leadership, however, maintained that they had fulfilled all statutory requirements, including the mandatory 21-day notice. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi insisted the party would not halt its internal democratic processes regardless of the commission’s stance.

Allegations of Sabotage and State Interference

Prominent party figures used the event to voice concerns over what they termed "state-sponsored" attempts to derail the convention.

• Dino Melaye, Chairman of the Protocol Committee, alleged that organizers faced last-minute efforts to seal the venue despite having a valid contract and full payment. "No battalion could have moved us today," Melaye stated, asserting the party’s legal right to assemble.

• Kola Ologbondiyan, Media Sub-committee Chairman, described the "shameful ordeal" of being denied multiple venues across the FCT, suggesting the ruling government was "panicky" over the ADC’s momentum.

Atiku, Analysts React to "Daring" Move

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who spoke at the event, launched a scathing critique of the electoral body. He accused INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan of allowing the commission to be used as a tool to "scuttle democracy," vowing that the opposition would resist any attempt to return Nigeria to a state of authoritarianism.

Public affairs analyst Nduka Odo noted that this convention signals the ADC's evolution into a more aggressive opposition force.

"ADC dared INEC... this is the first time I see ADC acting like it is alive as an opposition political force. You cannot dislodge a ruling party by cowering to its machinations."

Legal Outlook

The President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), Olu Omotayo, urged INEC to exercise restraint. He argued that since the leadership dispute is currently sub judice, the electoral body should await the final judicial interpretation rather than taking administrative actions that could "heat up the polity."

While the ADC celebrates the successful conclusion of the event, the legal validity of the constitutional amendments and the new NWC remains tethered to the outcome of ongoing court proceedings and INEC’s ultimate refusal to recognize the Tuesday gathering.