In a dramatic show of defiance, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, on Tuesday went ahead with its National Convention in Abuja despite a court order restraining the exercise and reported attempts to deny the party access to its venue.
The convention, which drew over 1,500 delegates and prominent political figures from across the country, ratified the party’s constitution and endorsed the processes that produced Mark as National Chairman.
Earlier in the day, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had ordered the party not to proceed with the convention. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court fixed April 22 to hear an appeal relating to the party’s lingering leadership crisis.
In a related development, another Federal High Court declined a request by the Mark-led leadership to consolidate and hear all pending motions, including the substantive suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who had sought an indefinite adjournment of the case.
Despite the legal hurdles, ADC leaders insisted the convention remained valid, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was under threat and pledging to resist any attempt to undermine it.
The high-profile gathering attracted a host of political heavyweights, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Oserheimen Osunbor. Others in attendance included Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Dino Melaye, alongside several former ministers and party leaders.
Diplomatic representatives from China, Britain, and Norway were also present at the convention.
Tensions heightened earlier when the party alleged a fresh attempt to scuttle the event by revoking the licence of its Abuja venue, the Rainbow Event Centre. The ADC claimed the move followed pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the venue owner reported threats that his licence would be withdrawn if he allowed the ADC to proceed.
“After fulfilling all financial obligations and securing the venue, we were informed of pressure from authorities to deny us access. However, we have a binding agreement and will proceed as planned,” Abdullahi said.
Addressing delegates, Mark struck a defiant tone, declaring that the party would not succumb to intimidation or political pressure.
“In an ever-shrinking democratic space, the ADC will not bow, will not be cowed, and will not retreat,” he said. “What is at stake is not just the opposition, but the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”
He argued that attempts to weaken the party had instead strengthened its internal cohesion and broadened its appeal, positioning it as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking accountable leadership.
Mark also called for unity among opposition forces, urging leaders across party lines to rise above partisan interests in tackling the nation’s challenges.
The convention concluded with the ratification of resolutions from the party’s 97th to 100th National Executive Committee meetings. Delegates also dissolved the National Working Committee, installed a caretaker leadership, and approved the expulsion of certain members over alleged anti-party activities.
Mark pledged that the ADC would prioritise inclusive governance, transparency, and the effective use of national resources, positioning itself as a platform capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
No comments:
Post a Comment