![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has successfully concluded its national convention in Abuja, where delegates overwhelmingly voted to amend the party’s constitution and formally ratified the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The convention, held at the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, ended with a near-unanimous decision on constitutional amendments. According to the Chairman of the ADC Electoral Sub-Committee and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, a total of 1,576 delegates were accredited, with 11 votes voided.
Out of the valid votes, 1,471 delegates – representing 94 per cent – voted “yes” to amend the constitution. Ihedioha declared that the constitution of the African Democratic Congress had been duly amended by the convention.
Before the voting commenced, the Chairman of the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, Olumide Apata, led the ratification of resolutions from the 97th, 98th, and 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
These resolutions included a waiver of membership requirements, suspension of zoning provisions for executive positions, and suspension of the rule requiring that a vacant office be filled by someone from the same zone as the previous occupant.
The 99th NEC meeting had dissolved the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led NWC with immediate effect, allowing the David Mark-led NWC to assume full responsibility for running the party’s affairs. The convention formally ratified this decision.
In his closing remarks, National Chairman Senator David Mark praised the organisation of the convention, describing it as an “excellent performance” that surpassed many he had attended as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He declared that the event marked the beginning of the party’s journey to Aso Rock in 2027. “Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Villa, and all of you here are part of this history,” Mark said.
The convention also announced the expulsion of factional chairman Nafiu Bala, member of the House of Representatives Leke Abejide, and several other members including Kingsley Temitope, Noman Obinna, Kennedy Odion, Stella Chukwuma, and four others. The expulsions were over alleged anti-party activities and attempts to create confusion within the party.
The motion was moved by Senator Binos Yaroe and seconded by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki. The gathering brought together a broad coalition of opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others.
Atiku Abubakar used the platform to accuse the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining democracy, singling out its chairman for criticism over alleged illegalities. Peter Obi criticised the Tinubu administration over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, warning that the country is “heading to disaster.” Rotimi Amaechi expressed concern over rising insecurity, comparing some situations to a civil war, while Rauf Aregbesola described the “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam and urged President Tinubu to resign.
Despite INEC’s decision not to monitor the ADC’s congresses and national convention due to a court ruling, the party proceeded with the event after conducting congresses in various states. The successful conclusion of the convention, with clear constitutional amendments and leadership ratification, is seen as a significant step toward strengthening the ADC as a viable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event also highlighted the growing momentum of opposition realignment efforts in Nigeria. With key figures from different political backgrounds in attendance, the convention served as a platform for criticising the current administration on issues ranging from economic hardship and rising debt to insecurity and governance failures.
Many delegates and observers claim the gathering as well-organised and peaceful, contrasting it with previous conventions of other parties. The ratification of the constitutional amendments and the leadership changes are expected to provide the ADC with a clearer structure and stronger unity as it prepares for future electoral contests.
