From Victor Osula, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has renewed its confidence in the leadership of David Mark, formally ratifying the National Working Committee (NWC) under his stewardship and reinforcing his mandate to lead the party’s rebuilding process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was taken at the party’s 8th National Convention held in Abuja on Tuesday, where delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) voted overwhelmingly to affirm the existing leadership structure.
Rather than ushering in a new leadership, the convention consolidated Mark’s position, signalling continuity in direction while empowering him and his team to intensify ongoing efforts to stabilise and reposition the party.
The endorsement reflected a broad consensus among party stakeholders that sustained leadership is critical to resolving internal challenges and strengthening the ADC’s national relevance.
The convention came against the backdrop of lingering factional tensions and structural weaknesses within the party. Delegates used the platform not only to reaffirm the leadership but also to confront these issues through institutional reforms.
Key amendments to the party’s constitution were approved, aimed at reinforcing internal discipline, streamlining decision-making, and addressing recurring disputes over leadership control in various state chapters. The reforms are expected to provide the Mark-led NWC with stronger mechanisms to enforce unity and cohesion.
In his remarks, Mark described the convention as a pivotal moment in the party’s evolution, noting that the renewed mandate places a greater responsibility on the leadership to deliver tangible progress.
“This convention is not about changing but about strengthening what we have and moving forward with greater unity and purpose,” he said.
He commended the Convention Planning Committee for organising a credible and orderly exercise, adding that the process demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and transparency.
Mark reiterated that his leadership would focus on reconciliation, consolidation, and expansion—key pillars he identified as essential to the ADC’s revival. He called on aggrieved members to set aside differences and work collectively toward building a stronger political platform.
“We must now translate this confidence into action by closing ranks, rebuilding trust, and taking our message to the grassroots,” he stated.
Political observers note that the reaffirmation of Mark’s leadership provides the ADC with a measure of stability at a critical time, particularly as opposition parties begin early positioning ahead of 2027.
They add that continuity in leadership, backed by constitutional reforms, could help the party overcome its internal crises if effectively managed.
The convention concluded with renewed optimism, as party leaders and delegates expressed confidence that the strengthened mandate given to the Mark-led NWC would accelerate the ADC’s restructuring efforts and enhance its competitiveness in the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile the convention expelled Nafiu Bala and several prominent members, including Hon. Leke Abejide, Stella Chukwuma, and Kingsley Temitope Ogga, over alleged anti-party activities at its national convention held in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14.
The decision was taken at the convention convened under the leadership of former Senate President, David Mark, where delegates endorsed disciplinary measures against the affected members, following heated deliberations over their roles in ongoing leadership disputes within the party.
Party sources at the convention said the expulsions were largely triggered by allegations that the affected individuals engaged in actions to challenge the legitimacy of the current national leadership, including resorting to judicial intervention without first exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms as required by the party’s constitution
In the case of Nafiu Bala, party officials maintained that his decision to approach the court to contest the authority of the David Mark-led executive was viewed as a direct violation of party discipline, and an act capable of undermining internal cohesion.
Similar accusations were extended to other expelled members, whom the party accused of aligning with parallel structures and contributing to escalating tensions within the organisation.
Despite reported logistical challenges, including difficulties in securing a venue within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the Mark-led leadership proceeded with the convention, describing it as a necessary step to restore order and reinforce party discipline amid growing internal disputes.
Party leaders at the convention insisted that the expulsions were not arbitrary, but were necessary to protect the integrity of the party’s structures and prevent further erosion of trust among members. They argued that allowing unchecked legal and political confrontations outside internal mechanisms would weaken the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.
However, the decisions are expected to further heighten tensions within the ADC, as the expelled members and their supporters have previously questioned the legitimacy of the current leadership, setting the stage for possible legal and political counteractions.
