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.
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.
Earlier at the convention, former Vice President and ADC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is being used to undermine democracy in Nigeria.
He singled out the Chairman of the electoral body, Professor Joash Amupitan, for criticism over alleged “illegalities.”
“I will not end these remarks without indicting the chairman of INEC and INEC itself because it is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country. Now, let the Federal Government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country.
“Let the chairman know we are not going to let him get away with his illegalities, we will not and I hope we will have your support and cooperation to make sure we return to true democracy, to true development in all aspects of human endeavour,” Atiku said.
