The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has inaugurated a 21-member Constitution Review Committee, appointing Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Etigwe Uwa, as its chairman in a bid to deepen internal democracy and strengthen the party’s guiding framework.
The committee comprises prominent political and legal figures, including Prof. Lawal Salihu, former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Ehigie Uzamere, as well as Peter Oyewole, among others. Members were drawn to reflect broad experience, professional expertise, and regional balance.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday in Abuja and was presided over by the ADC National Chairman, former Senate President David Mark. He tasked the committee with developing a constitution that promotes inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability while remaining faithful to the party’s core values.
Since July 2025, when the ADC emerged as the coalition platform for opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, the party has intensified efforts to strengthen its national structures. With David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola serving as National Secretary, the party has worked to improve its credibility and broaden its appeal.
Mark noted that a party constitution serves as both a moral compass and a legal foundation, guiding ideology, regulating internal affairs, and safeguarding democratic practices within the organisation.
He stressed that the ongoing review is timely, aimed at aligning the constitution with current realities, future challenges, and global best practices in democratic party administration.
According to Mark, the committee’s mandate includes enhancing provisions for inclusiveness and transparency, ensuring fair participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities, clarifying the roles and powers of party organs, promoting fairness in primaries and congresses, improving dispute resolution mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with national laws and electoral regulations.
The committee is expected to submit an interim report with proposed amendments within 30 days.
In his response, Uwa assured party members of a thorough and inclusive review process, stating that the exercise is intended to strengthen—not replace—the party’s principles and to make the ADC more attractive to Nigerians.
