• 07 Jul, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• No comment

Leadership Change in ADC Sparks Controversy Over Party Constitution.

The recent leadership takeover of the African Democratic Cong

ress (ADC) by members of an opposition coalition has sparked internal disputes over constitutional violations. On Thursday, longtime National Chairman Ralph Nwosu stepped down, paving the way for former Senate President David Mark to assume the role of interim Chairman. Also appointed were former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.

However, critics argue that the appointments did not follow the party’s constitutional procedures. Article 23, Clause 4 of the ADC Constitution requires that vacancies in party offices be filled by someone from the same zone, appointed by the Executive Committee, and serve only until the next convention. In this case, Mark (Northcentral) replaced Nwosu (Southeast), violating the zoning provision. Furthermore, there was no record of a formal national executive meeting to validate these appointments.

The party’s constitution also requires that anyone holding a national or zonal office must have been a member for at least two years. Nwosu confirmed this rule, which was adopted in 2022, and no clear evidence has been provided showing that Mark, Aregbesola, or Abdullahi met this requirement.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to recognize the leadership change. Nwosu and current Secretary Sa’id Baba Abdullahi reportedly notified INEC of a National Executive Committee meeting set for July 29 and primaries scheduled for August 16, but did not mention the new leadership.

Musa Matara, the ousted National Publicity Secretary, rejected claims of a constitutional amendment to accommodate the new leadership. He said any amendment must include stakeholder input, proper documentation, and INEC’s oversight, in line with national electoral laws.

In defense, Nwosu argued that the appointments and amendments were properly handled by experts and that the party remains committed to high standards. He framed the leadership transition as a strategic move for growth, not a breach of procedure.

  Legal Concerns Raised Over Dual Party Membership

Legal expert Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) criticized coalition members who switched roles from other parties without formally resigning. He said belonging to two political parties simultaneously is illegal and violates the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution. He accused such members of “forum shopping” jumping between parties to serve personal interests.

  Wike Dismisses Coalition’s Motives

Meanwhile, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike criticized the coalition, accusing its members of pursuing personal gain under the guise of rescuing Nigeria. Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Abuja, Wike said many opposition figures have a history of switching parties for personal benefit, without delivering results during their time in office.

He questioned the sincerity of their intentions, citing examples of former governors, ministers, and top political figures who failed to make meaningful contributions while in power but now claim to want to “rescue” the country. Wike urged Nigerians to be wary of such leaders and encouraged prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In conclusion, the ADC leadership change has stirred debate over legality, internal governance, and political opportunism, with both internal critics and government officials questioning the motives and methods of the opposition coalition.

Faith Kegh

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