‘Road to Aso Rock begins now’ – David Mark speaks as ADC alters constitution at convention

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has declared that the party has set its sights on the presidency ahead of the 2027 elections, following the conclusion of its national convention in Abuja.

Speaking at the close of the gathering on Tuesday, the former Senate President praised the convention, describing it as highly successful and well-coordinated. He noted that, despite attending numerous conventions during his time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ADC event stood out in terms of organisation.

Mark commended the planners of the convention, saying it has set a new standard for political assemblies in Nigeria. He also expressed strong confidence that the party is steadily positioning itself to take over leadership at the federal level.

According to him, the convention marks the starting point of the party’s march to the Presidential Villa.

“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,” he said.

The convention also featured a major decision by delegates to amend the party’s constitution.

Chairman of the Electoral Sub-Committee and former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, announced that 1,576 delegates were accredited for the exercise, with 11 votes invalidated.

He revealed that 1,471 delegates supported the amendment, representing 94 per cent of the votes cast.

“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,” Ihedioha stated.

Before the voting, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, guided delegates in ratifying decisions earlier reached during the party’s 97th, 98th, and 99th National Executive Committee meetings.

The National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, highlighted key resolutions adopted, including granting waivers on membership requirements, suspending zoning arrangements for executive roles, and removing the rule that mandates replacement of vacant offices from the same zone.

In a major leadership change, the party’s 99th NEC meeting also dissolved the National Working Committee led by Ralph Nwosu with immediate effect.

The convention ratified the move, clearing the way for a new National Working Committee under Mark to fully take charge of the party’s leadership.