The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has embarked on a comprehensive review of its constitution in what party leaders are describing as a historic effort to enhance internal democracy, unity, transparency and credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. The focus of the exercise is to modernise the party’s foundational document to reflect current political realities, strengthen internal governance, and align with global best practices.
The inauguration of the Constitution Review Committee in Abuja attracted top party officials including members of the National Working Committee. In his opening remarks, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark emphasised that the party’s constitution is its guiding legal and moral framework, shaping ideology, regulating internal processes, and safeguarding democratic practices within the organisation. He described the exercise as a landmark moment in the evolution of the party.
“The party’s constitution is its moral compass and legal backbone,” Mark said, urging committee members to approach the review with open minds, broad consultation, and an unwavering commitment to the collective interest of the party. His remarks underscored the leadership’s commitment to inclusivity, accountability and internal cohesion.
The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Etigwe Uwa, SAN, comprises legal experts, academics, former lawmakers, and seasoned political operatives. Its terms of reference include scrutinising existing provisions, ensuring alignment with democratic norms and Nigerian law, enhancing inclusiveness, and clarifying the roles and powers of party organs to prevent conflicts and ambiguity in governance.
Committee members are also expected to engage widely with party stakeholders across all geopolitical zones and integrate constructive input from women, youth, and grassroots members. The plan is to develop a forward-looking document that strengthens the party’s capacity to mobilise organically at the grassroots level and fortify its structures against internal disputes that have affected many political parties.
Chairman Uwa pledged the committee’s full commitment to delivering a robust, transparent and effective constitution. He said the review is not an indictment of the existing document but a critical step to make it more responsive to current and future demands. Uwa underscored the importance of broad consultation and thoughtful deliberation in producing a constitution capable of galvanising support and enhancing party unity.
The review will also consider mechanisms to strengthen dispute resolution, discipline, and democratic selection of candidates for elective positions, drawing from best practices and innovative ideas that could address recurring challenges in Nigeria’s party politics.
Political analysts see the move as strategic, noting that a modernised constitution could boost the ADC’s credibility and competitiveness as it seeks to expand its influence and challenge more established parties. By fostering transparency, inclusiveness and internal democracy, the party aims to present itself as a credible alternative that upholds the rule of law and promotes accountable governance.
As the review process begins, ADC leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to unity, transparency and democratic governance within the party, underscoring that the constitutional overhaul is essential to strengthening internal cohesion and building a strong platform for future political engagements.
