*El-Rufai, Malami make list
*Party congratulates new state executives, fixes May 12 for inauguration
*Osun 2026: Salaam defends choice of female running mate, party elects eew executives
*Ex-PDP leaders take over ADC in Ondo
Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Fidelis David in Akure
and Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to conduct the party’s national convention.
The convention, scheduled to be held on tomorrow, April 14, has a former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke as chairman of the 126-member Convention Planning Committee.
A former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal was named as deputy chairman, while a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami were also named as members.
The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) camp loyal to Kwankwaso, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, will serve as secretary to the committee.
Also on the list were Chief Ralph Nwosu, Adamu Maina Waziri, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, Dr Sam Egwu, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Prof Pat Utomi, Chief Achike Udenwa, and Alhaji Kashim Iman among others.
The convention is expected to ratify the team of the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) with Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, among other members.
A notice on Sunday jointly signed by the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi and the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, urged all committee members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and called on stakeholders to support the process.
The convention is coming up on the same day the Supreme Court has fixed for the hearing in an appeal filed before the apex court by Mark.
The day also coincides with the date fixed by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in a case filed against Mark by Mr Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the Mark-led national leadership.
Meanwhile, the ADC, has congratulated its newly elected state executives and chairmen on the peaceful conduct of their congresses, describing the process as a reflection of the party’s commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement by Mallam Abdullahi, the party announced that the inauguration of the new officials would take place on May 12, 2026, or a later date to be communicated.
The ADC urged the officials to remain committed to the party’s ideals and align with the leadership direction of its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, as they worked to strengthen the party nationwide.
The ADC also congratulated all newly elected State Executives and State Chairmen across the federation on the successful and peaceful conduct of their congresses.
According to the spokesman of the ADC, ”These elections, carried out in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution, reflect the ADC’s enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.
”We commend all party members and stakeholders for exercising their democratic rights with maturity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.
He also said the party was pleased to announce that the formal inauguration of the new executives was scheduled to take place on May 12, 2026, or on a later date to be duly communicated by the National Working Committee.
”As you prepare to assume office, we urge all elected officials to remain steadfast in their dedication to the ideals and vision of the party. The task ahead requires unity, discipline, and a continued commitment to building a strong, credible alternative for the Nigerian people.
“The ADC remains confident that under your leadership at the state level. The party will continue to grow, deepen its structures, and strengthen its connection with citizens across the country. Once again, congratulations.”
Nevertheless, the ADC in Nasarawa State has elected its new state officials to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.
The election held on Saturday in Lafia, was conducted through a consensus arrangement ratified by delegates from all 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
In Sokoto State, the ADC Congress, also conducted through consensus and voice affirmation, produced Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu as State Chairman, Alhaji Bello Isiaku Meagan – Deputy Chairman, and Kabiru Sarkin Fulani as State Secretary.
Other executives elected through consensus include Kabiru Hali – Vice Chairman (Central), Abdullahi Bafarawa – Vice Chairman (Sokoto East), and Sadiq Sayyina – Vice Chairman (Sokoto South), among several others.
Osun: Salaam Defends Choice of Female Running Mate, ADC Elects New Executives
The ADC in Osun State, weekend, conducted its state congress, electing a new set of executives in a tightly secured exercise held in Osogbo, the state capital.
Delegates drawn from all 30 local government areas of the state participated in the congress, monitored by security operatives, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The exercise was supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Committee, Mudashiru Akinlabi.
At the end of the exercise, former chairman of Ilesa West Local Government, Issa Adesiji, emerged as the state chairman, while Lani Baderinwa, a former Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, was elected secretary.
Other executives elected through a consensus arrangement include Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary, among others.
However, the highlight of the event was the address by the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Najeem Salaam, who appeared alongside his running mate, Yemisi Agiri.
In his remarks, Salaam laid strong emphasis on the rationale behind selecting a female deputy governorship candidate, describing the decision as both strategic and value-driven.
He explained that the choice of female reflected the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender balance, and broader representation in leadership.
According to him, the ADC deliberately opted for a female running mate to ensure that women, who constituted a significant portion of the population, were actively represented in the decision-making process.
Salaam noted that beyond symbolism, the selection was based on competence and the need to harness diverse perspectives in governance.
Former PDP Leaders Take Over in Ondo
Former leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have assumed key positions in the ADC in Ondo State following the party’s state congress.
A former PDP caretaker chairman in the state, Tola Alabere, emerged as the ADC state chairman, while Dare Akinwale, who previously served as the PDP organising secretary, was elected as the party’s organising secretary.
Other executives elected at the congress included Ola Amure as legal adviser, Kunle Adeloye as state secretary, and Bobby Omotoso as deputy chairman.
Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Kehinde Agboola, who supervised the exercise, said the process strictly complied with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
He noted that the successful conduct of ward and local government congresses earlier laid a solid foundation for the state congress, thereby strengthening the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
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