Despite a court order and political moves to deny it use of a venue, the Senator David Mark-led African Democratic Congress, ADC, yesterday, held its National Convention in Abuja, where leaders drawn from all parts of the country ratified the party’s constitution and processes that led to Mark’s emergence.

This is even as the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, yesterday ordered the party not to proceed with the convention, just as the Supreme Court slated April 22, to hear an appeal concerning the leadership crisis in the party.

This was as another Federal High Court in Abuja, declined to grant an application by Senator David Mark-led leadership, seeking the hearing of all pending motions, including the substantive case, in the Nafiu-Bala Gombe’s suit.

Gombe prayed the lower court to adjourn the case with Mark indefinitely.
One of the major highlights of the exercise was the arrival of Mallam El-Rufai who freed yesterday.

Exuding confidence, party leaders at the convention okayed the exercise as valid, noting that Nigerian’s democracy is at risk and vowed to resist moves to destroy the country’s democratic rule.

Roll call

Party leaders and topshots at the convention attended by the Chinese, British and Norwegian envoys, include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and current ADC National Chairman, David Mark; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Senator Dino Melaye.

Also in attendance were former National Chairman of ADC, Ralph Nwosu; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former Justice Minister, Mr Abubakar Malami; and Senator Ireti Kingibe.

The national convention equally featured former governor of Ebonyi, Dr Sam Egwu; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal; former NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata; former Cross River State Governors, Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke; former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa; Chief Great Ogboru; and Kashim Imam, among others.

Threat to revoke venue licence

Earlier yesterday, the party alleged a fresh move to revoke the licence of its Abuja convention venue, warning that the action was aimed at stopping the exercise.

The party said the development suggested pressure from Federal Capital Territory authorities, despite fulfilling all payment obligations and securing the venue in advance.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the owner of Rainbow Event Centre informed the party of threats from the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“After paying all the fees required, setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike that if he allows the ADC to use his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.

Insisting the party has a binding agreement, he added: “But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre.”

ADC won’t bow to political pressur — Mark

Speaking at the convention, which drew over 1,500 delegates to elect members of the National Working Committee for the next four years, Senator Mark declared that the ADC will not succumb to intimidation, despite mounting political pressure.

“We have made it clear that in an ever-shrinking democratic space, the ADC will not bow, will not be cowed, and we will not retreat,” he said, adding that strong political movements are forged in difficult times when citizens demand change, integrity and committed leadership.

“We will not surrender because what is at stake is not just the opposition, but the very survival of democracy in Nigeria,” he added.
According to Mark, attempts to weaken the party have instead strengthened its internal cohesion, broadened its coalition and underscored the need for a vibrant opposition.
He noted that a new generation of Nigerians is demanding accountability, transparency and leadership that aligned with their aspirations, positioning the ADC as a credible alternative platform.

Mark said the party’s mission is beyond winning power to proving that democracy can improve lives and deliver development.

He called on opposition leaders across party lines to unite in addressing the nation’s challenges, describing the task as a patriotic duty beyond partisan interests.

The former Senate President commended members for successfully conducting congresses nationwide despite challenges, noting that the party is expanding its grassroots base.

He urged newly elected leaders to uphold accountability, inclusiveness and service, emphasising that no member is above the party’s constitution.

Mark assured Nigerians that the ADC will prioritise people-centred governance and effective use of national resources.
Declaring the convention open, he expressed confidence that the party will play a defining role in Nigeria’s democratic future.

Convention ratifies NEC decisions, dissolves NWC, expels Gombe, Abejide
After speeches from stakeholders, the Convention ratified key resolutions of its 97th to 100th National Executive Committee, NEC, meetings, dissolving its National Working Committee, NWC, installing a caretaker leadership and expelling members over alleged anti-party activities.



The decisions, taken between March 2025 and March 2026, signal a sweeping restructuring of the party’s leadership, membership rules and political direction.

A major highlight was the ratification of the July 29, 2025 NEC resolution dissolving the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led NWC and appointing a caretaker committee headed by Senator David Mark for 12 months to steer reforms and coalition talks.
The convention also endorsed earlier decisions to relax membership requirements—popularly known as the “two-year rule”—and suspend zoning provisions in the party’s constitution, moves aimed at broadening participation and flexibility in leadership selection.

Delegates further approved congresses conducted from polling unit to state levels, including the emergence of delegates to the national convention, as well as the party’s policy framework and draft manifesto. Aspirants were directed to align their campaigns with the adopted principles.

The resolutions were adopted through motions moved by Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Ireti Kingibe and passed by voice vote.
In a controversial move, the convention endorsed expulsion of some members accused of anti-party conduct and actions deemed detrimental to party unity.

Proceedings also featured proposed constitutional amendments presented by Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, with emphasis on transparency in the voting process.
Out of 2,105 expected delegates, 1,542 were accredited, while voting on amendments was ongoing at press time.