About 3,000 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT are expected to attend the convention themed, “So the Nationa May Work.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will hold its national convention today at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja, despite a last-minute alleged attempt to block the gathering.
However, a few hours before the event was set to begin, the proprietor of the Rainbow Event Centre withdrew permission for the party to use the facility.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, who disclosed this at midnight on Monday, said the owner faced intense pressure from the FCT authorities, which also threatened to revoke his licence if he allowed the convention to hold.
However, the party leadership vowed to continue with the exercise at the venue, stating they will “not bow to this creeping tyranny”.
The non-elective convention is the first major assembly since a coalition of opposition politicians led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar fused into the ADC last year. Former Senate President David Mark assumed the role of national chairman of the party then.
About 3,000 delegates drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT are expected to attend the convention themed, “So the Nation May Work.”
The event is expected to affirm the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) appointed last year, adopt the party’s amended constitution and manifesto ahead of the 2027 general election.
The move to hold the convention follows months of legal battles and uncertainty regarding its leadership.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recently announced it would no longer recognise the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), citing an interim court order and a failure to resolve internal leadership disputes
Despite these threats, the Mark-led party protested and vowed to go ahead with its activities, including organising the congresses, which were held last week and today’s convention.
The ADC is currently split into three distinct groups vying for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections: Apart from the Mark faction, the most prominent of all, there is the Nafiu Bala faction and the newly emerged Dumebi Kachikwu faction, each claiming to be the authentic leadership of the party.
This “third way” group rejects both Mark and Bala, accusing them of hijacking the party. They support the INEC de-recognition and are calling for a neutral interim committee to oversee party affairs.
Interestingly, the convention is holding on the day the Supreme Court heard Mr Mark’s appeal for an order to stay the execution of the appellate court ruling on which INEC acted to derecognise his leadership.
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3:00 p.m: ADC Convention begins after hours of waiting by journalists and delegates.
The Master of Ceremony mounted the podium and welcomed delegates and attendees.
3:07 p.m.: Master of Ceremony, Dino Melaye, called ADC National Chairperson, David Mark.
Senator Mark called for a minute silence for fallen heroes who died fighting insecurity in the country.
3:15 p.m.: Mr Mark, a former senate president, said the ADC will be the platform through which Nigeria will be reached and rebuilt.
He described the emergence of the party as evidence of the resilience of opposition.
“We will not bow, cow and will not retreat,” he said.
He said the party had faced unprecedented betrayal. He said every attempt to suppress the party has only strengthen the members.
He said INEC’s decision raises questions about forces that govern Nigeria democracy.
