The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has extended the tenure of its National Working Committee (NWC) by one year and approved the establishment of caretaker committees across all levels of the party as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The decisions were among major resolutions reached at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Saturday.
The NEC also ratified the outcomes of the party’s primaries for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections, except in states and constituencies where appeals are still pending or electoral processes are yet to be concluded.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the NEC approved the constitution of caretaker committees at zonal, state, local government and ward levels for a one-year period to strengthen party structures nationwide.
The party also called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a “prisoner of conscience.”
Speaking at the meeting, ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator David Mark, lamented the worsening insecurity and economic hardship confronting Nigerians, saying the country was passing through one of its most difficult periods.
“Nigeria today faces profound challenges. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across many parts of our country. Communities are displaced, farmers cannot freely cultivate their lands, businesses are struggling, and millions of families face hardship and uncertainty,” Mark said.
He also decried the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining purchasing power, urging governments at all levels to take urgent measures to address the challenges facing citizens.
“The growing economic burden on ordinary Nigerians demands urgent and sincere attention from those entrusted with governance,” he stated.
Mark stressed that the ADC would continue to play the role of a responsible opposition party by supporting genuine efforts aimed at restoring security, economic stability and national unity.
“As a responsible opposition party, we do not celebrate the suffering of Nigerians or seek political advantage from their pain. We support every sincere effort aimed at restoring peace, security and economic prosperity,” he said.
The former Senate President also urged party members to remain united and avoid actions capable of weakening the ADC ahead of future elections.
“Our strength lies in unity, not division. Personal ambition must never supersede party interest. Internal disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and established party mechanisms,” he warned.
Mark assured aggrieved aspirants and party faithful that complaints arising from the recent primaries would be addressed fairly, promising that the National Working Committee would review recommendations submitted by various appeal panels.
According to him, the ADC’s objective is not merely to produce candidates but to field credible and electable aspirants capable of winning elections and delivering good governance.
“Our goal is to present candidates with the credibility, competence and electoral strength to win elections and serve Nigerians effectively,” he said.
He called on party leaders and members across the country to close ranks, expand the party’s grassroots structures and offer practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges as momentum builds towards the 2027 polls.
