The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has inaugurated Etigwe Uwa, SAN, as Chairman of the party’s Constitution Review Committee, in a move aimed at strengthening internal democracy and reinforcing the party’s guiding principles.
While inaugurating the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Mark charged its members to develop a framework that promotes inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability, while staying true to the party’s founding ideals.
Remember that in July 2025, the ADC was chosen as the coalition party for opposition leaders aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Since then, with former Senate President Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, the party has been strengthening its nationwide structures and striving to gain the confidence of Nigerians.
The committee also includes Barr. Peter Iyeola Oyewole, Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, Hon. Ishaka Bawa, Sen. Ehigie Uzamere, Mrs. Sally Oguni-Agbo (PhD), Barr. Aishatu Dan-Kani, Prof. Lawal Salihu, H.E. Emeka Ihedioha, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Mohammed Kumaila, Barr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), Barr. Zawo Osu, D.I.G. Ibrahim Adamu (RTD), Dr. Rasaq Oyelami Saliu, Sen. E.Y. Orker-Jev, Sen. Idris Abdullahi Umar, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Barr. Amanda Pam, Prof. Mohammed Sani Bello, Dr. Paul Angya, and Rukayya Lamido Dodo.
The former Senate President explained that a party’s constitution serves as both its moral guide and legal foundation, noting that it shapes the party’s ideology, directs conduct, regulates internal operations, and protects internal democracy.
He stated, ‘As our party continues to expand in reach and responsibility, it is both necessary and timely to review our constitution to ensure that it reflects present realities, anticipates future challenges, and aligns with global best practices in democratic party administration.
‘This exercise is not about changing principles; it is about strengthening them. It is about ensuring clarity, fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability in our structures and processes. It is about creating a framework that empowers our members, promotes unity, resolves disputes fairly, and positions the ADC as a credible alternative for national leadership.
‘Members of this committee have been carefully selected based on experience, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of our party. You carry a great responsibility. I urge you to approach this assignment with open minds, broad consultations, and an unwavering commitment to the collective interest of the ADC.
You must listen to the voices of party members at all levels, respect our founding values, and produce a constitution that strengthens internal democracy, enhances discipline, and guarantees transparency in party affairs’.
He stated that the Committee will review the ADC Constitution to update and clarify it, ensuring alignment with global best practices in democratic governance and party administration.
On what is expected of the Committee, Mark continued, ‘To strengthen provisions that promote inclusiveness, transparency, equity, and fair participation of all members, including women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
‘To review the roles, powers, and relationships of party organs at all levels to enhance efficiency, accountability, and coordination.
‘To review provisions relating to party primaries, congresses, dispute resolution, discipline, and sanctions to ensure fairness and credibility. To examine provisions on membership registration, rights and obligations of members, and party administration for clarity and effectiveness.
‘To ensure full compliance of the ADC Constitution with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant electoral laws and regulations. To consult widely with party stakeholders across all levels and geopolitical zones in the course of the review’.
He further stated that the Committee is required to present an interim report along with proposed amendments to the National Working Committee within 30 days.
In his response, the Committee Chairman expressed a strong commitment to conducting a comprehensive and inclusive process.
He stated, ‘Constitutions are supposed to be broad and embracive and should not condescend to too many granular details. They should contain a fair and democratic means of selection, whether it be in respect of party offices at all strata or of flagbearers for elective positions. Adequate thought would be given to this issue, drawing from best practices and looking at novel ideas which would help deal with some of the issues that currently plague our party politics.
‘We would pay attention to the kind of things fair-minded Nigerians and good citizens would like to see in a party constitution, and we would try to ensure that the output is one which possesses the magnetic force of drawing more members into the party. The review is not because the current constitution is not good, but the purpose of the review is to make the constitution much better’.
