…As Party Positions Itself as Nigeria’s Credible Opposition Force
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a landmark step to strengthen its internal democracy by inaugurating a powerful Constitution Review Committee, signaling a renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable political platform.
National Chairman Sen. David Mark led the inauguration ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, charging the committee to develop a constitution that upholds the party’s core values while adapting to modern challenges.
“You must listen to party members at every level, honor our founding principles, and deliver a constitution that bolsters internal democracy, enforces discipline, and ensures transparency,” Mark declared, emphasizing the gravity of the task.
He described the review not as a radical overhaul but as an essential reinforcement: “This is about fortifying our principles—ensuring clarity, fairness, inclusivity, and accountability. It’s about empowering members, fostering unity, resolving disputes equitably, and establishing the ADC as a trusted alternative for national leadership.”
Mark hailed the event, attended by key National Working Committee members, as a pivotal milestone: “This inauguration reflects our determination to create a party rooted in robust democratic values, unity, and good governance.”
Viewing the constitution as the party’s “moral compass and legal foundation,” Mark stressed its role in defining ideology, guiding conduct, and protecting internal democracy. With the party’s growing influence, he said the review is timely to address current realities, anticipate future needs, and align with global democratic standards.
He urged the committee to work with open minds, extensive consultations, and dedication to the ADC’s broader interests.
The committee’s mandate is broad: reviewing the current constitution, incorporating best practices, promoting inclusivity and transparency, clarifying organ roles, reforming dispute and disciplinary processes, ensuring alignment with Nigeria’s national constitution and electoral laws, consulting across geopolitical zones, and prioritizing women and youth involvement.
Chaired by Etigwe Uwa, SAN, the committee includes prominent figures such as Barr. Peter Iyeola Oyewole, Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, Hon. Ishaka Bawa, Sen. Ehigie Uzamere, Mrs. Sally Oguni-Agbo (PhD), Barr. Aishatu Dan-Kani, Prof. Lawal Salihu, H.E. Emeka Ihedioha, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Mohammed Kumaila, Barr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), Bar. Zawo Osu, D.I.G. Ibrahim Adamu (RTD), Dr. Rasaq Oyelami Saliu, Sen. E.Y. Orker-Jev, Sen. Idris Abdullahi Umar, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Barr. Amanda Pam, Prof. Mohammed Sani Bello, Dr. Paul Angya, and Rukayya Lamido Dodo.
In response, Chairman Uwa pledged a diligent, inclusive effort: “We will commit fully to crafting a forward-looking constitution with strong grassroots mobilization and effective dispute resolution to protect the party from common crises.”
He stressed balanced design: “Constitutions should be broad and embracing, providing fair democratic selection processes for offices and candidates, drawing from best practices and innovative ideas to address challenges in Nigerian politics.”
Uwa highlighted the review’s goal to attract more members by meeting expectations for fairness and magnetism. “This isn’t because our current constitution is flawed—it’s to make it even stronger.”
He promised swift action through physical and virtual consultations: “We’ll seek wide input to produce an ideal, homegrown constitution with broad acceptance. We ask for your support and vow not to let the party down. Our work starts today with urgency and resolve.”
