The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark, on Tuesday went ahead with its National Convention in Abuja despite a subsisting court order and mounting political pressure.
The convention, attended by delegates from across the country, ratified key party decisions, including processes that led to Mark’s emergence as National Chairman.
Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had directed the party to halt the convention and maintain the status quo pending determination of a suit filed by aggrieved members.
In a related development, the Supreme Court of Nigeria fixed April 22 to hear an appeal concerning the party’s lingering leadership crisis.
Another Federal High Court also declined an application by the Mark-led faction seeking to consolidate and hear all pending motions, including the substantive suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Despite the legal uncertainties, the convention drew several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Other attendees included former governors such as Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rauf Aregbesola and Rabiu Kwankwaso, among others.
The party alleged attempts to frustrate the convention, including threats to revoke the licence of its Abuja venue.
According to ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, the management of the event centre faced pressure from authorities linked to the Federal Capital Territory, including Minister Nyesom Wike.
Despite the alleged intimidation, the party insisted it had fulfilled all contractual obligations and would proceed as planned.
Addressing delegates, Mark declared that the party would not succumb to intimidation, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.
We will not bow, we will not be cowed, and we will not retreat. What is at stake is not just the opposition, but the survival of democracy,” he said.
He added that the ADC aims to offer a credible alternative platform focused on accountability, transparency and people-oriented governance.
The convention ratified decisions taken at previous National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings, including:
- Dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC)
- Installation of a caretaker committee led by Mark
- Relaxation of membership requirements
- Suspension of zoning provisions
- Approval of congresses conducted nationwide
Delegates also approved constitutional amendments and adopted the party’s policy framework and draft manifesto.
In a controversial move, the convention endorsed the expulsion of members accused of anti-party activities, including Nafiu Bala Gombe and Rep Leke Abejide.
These steps signal a major restructuring aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola defended the legality of the convention, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing in its statutory duty by not monitoring the exercise.
He argued that the party complied with legal requirements, including notifying INEC well in advance.
INEC’s refusal to attend amounts to an abdication of responsibility,” Aregbesola said, warning that such actions could undermine confidence in the 2027 elections.
He further alleged bias, suggesting the commission’s actions could weaken opposition parties and tilt the political field.
Aregbesola stressed the importance of opposition in sustaining democratic governance, warning against any attempt to suppress dissenting voices.
Democracy without opposition is autocracy. Opposition is the institutional conscience of the republic,” he said.
