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By Victor Osula, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has renewed its faith in David Mark’s leadership, formally ratifying the National Working Committee (NWC) under his leadership and strengthening his mandate to lead the party’s reconstruction process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was made at the party’s eighth national convention held in Abuja on Tuesday, where delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) voted overwhelmingly to affirm the current leadership structure.
Rather than ushering in new leadership, the convention solidified Mark’s position, signaling continuity in leadership while empowering him and his team to intensify ongoing efforts to stabilize and reposition the party.
The endorsement reflects a broad consensus among party stakeholders that sustained leadership is critical to resolving internal challenges and strengthening the ADC’s national relevance.
The convention took place against a backdrop of persistent factional tensions and structural weaknesses within the party. Delegates used the platform not only to reaffirm leadership but also to address these issues through institutional reforms.
Key changes to the party’s constitution were approved, aimed at strengthening 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 strengthen 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 greater responsibility on the leadership to make 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 praised the Convention Planning Committee for organizing a credible and orderly exercise, adding that the process demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and transparency.
Mark reiterated that his leadership will focus on reconciliation, consolidation and expansion, key pillars which he identified as essential to the revival of the ADC. He called on aggrieved members to put aside their differences and work collectively to build 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 said.
Political observers note that Mark’s reassertion of leadership provides the ADC with a measure of stability at a critical time, particularly as opposition parties begin to position themselves ahead of 2027.
They add that continuity in leadership, supported by constitutional reforms, could help the party overcome its internal crises, if managed effectively.
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 improve its competitiveness in the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile the convention expelled Nafiu Bala and several prominent members, including the Hon. Leke Abejide, Stella Chukwuma and Kingsley Temitope Ogga, for alleged anti-party activities at the national convention held in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14.
The decision was made during the convention convened under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark, where delegates approved disciplinary measures against the affected members, following heated discussions over their roles in ongoing leadership disputes within the party.
Party sources at the convention said the expulsions were largely triggered by allegations that those affected had 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 argued that his decision to go to court to challenge the authority of the David Mark-led executive was seen as a direct violation of party discipline and an act capable of undermining internal cohesion.
Similar accusations have been extended to other expelled members, who the party has accused of aligning themselves with parallel structures and contributing to increased tensions within the organisation.
Despite reported logistical difficulties, including difficulties in securing a venue within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the Mark-led leadership pushed ahead with the convention, describing it as a necessary step to restore order and strengthen 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 party structures and prevent further erosion of trust among members. They argued that allowing uncontrolled legal and political clashes outside of internal mechanisms would weaken the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.
However, the decisions are expected to further exacerbate tensions within the ADC, as expelled members and their supporters have previously questioned the legitimacy of the current leadership, setting the stage for possible legal and political countermeasures.
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