The African Democratic Congress National Chairman, Senator David Mark, on Tuesday, received the report of the party’s Constitution Review Committee, promising a stronger, more disciplined, and united party as it prepares for the next stage of its internal reforms.

While receiving the report of the Etigwe Uwa SAN-led Committee at the ADC office in Wuse, Abuja, Mark, represented by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, described the exercise as a careful and demanding process requiring wisdom, inclusiveness, and foresight, noting that the committee had clearly risen to the occasion.

Mark formally inaugurated the 22-member Constitution Review Committee on January 8.

The committee’s mandate is to review the party’s constitution to reflect global best practices, strengthen internal democracy, improve dispute resolution mechanisms, and promote greater transparency.

The ADC national chairman said the party’s constitution is the soul of its aspirations, defining its identity, values, and service to Nigerians.

He noted that the task of reviewing it must reflect the realities of time, the expectations of members, and the urgent need to strengthen internal democracy, transparency, and accountability.

Mark stated, “I am particularly encouraged that this review process involved wide consultations across the states, zones, and critical stakeholders of our party. This inclusive approach reinforces our belief that the ADC belongs to all its members, irrespective of status or position.

“As we receive this report today, let me assure you that the National Working Committee will carefully study its recommendations with utmost seriousness. We shall ensure that every proposal is examined in line with our core values of fairness, justice, and equity, and in the best interest of the party and our dear nation.

“Let me also use this opportunity to remind us that no constitution, no matter how well crafted, can substitute for the discipline, loyalty, and commitment of members. The strength of any political party lies not only in its rules but in the willingness of its members to abide by them.

“At this critical juncture in our national life, Nigerians are looking up to credible alternative parties that are organised, principled, and people-oriented. The ADC must continue to position itself as that viable platform. A strong, clear, and forward-looking constitution is central to achieving this objective.”

He urged party members to stay united and committed, setting aside personal interests to build a party that reflects Nigerians’ aspirations.

Earlier, while presenting the report, the committee chairman stated that they tackled key systemic challenges, introducing a preamble that reflects the party’s shared history, sense of nationhood, and vision for a united, prosperous, just, and transparent Nigeria with an inclusive, grassroots-based political structure.

Uwa stated, “The party motto has also been streamlined to: A united and flourishing Nigeria. This reflects our recognition that disunity remains a major national challenge and that national progress must extend beyond economic growth to all areas of life.

“Membership provisions have been restructured to incorporate digital registration. Recognising that technology evolves faster than regulation, we have proposed that the NWC and NEC be empowered to issue guidelines that bridge the gap between technological advancements and constitutional provisions.

“Nigeria is rapidly digitising. The Electoral Act now requires digital registers, and the trajectory points towards electronic voting, expanded electronic transmission, and increased reliance on data-driven tools such as opinion polling. In response, we have proposed the creation of the Office of the National Technology Secretary to drive the party’s technological strategy. Any party that neglects technology risks being outpaced by more agile competitors.

“We have also introduced affirmative action provisions, proposing 30% representation for women and 20% for youths, alongside measures to ensure inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

He revealed that the grassroots structures have been strengthened, building on existing frameworks such as polling unit executives that are vital for effective engagement at the community level.

The Constitution Review Committee Chairman continued, “In addition, we have introduced provisions for virtual and hybrid meetings. Given the geographical spread of members and the cost of physical meetings, this approach proved effective during our work and will enhance efficiency going forward.

“A major reform is the streamlining of disciplinary procedures. State Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees have been established, replacing ward- and local government-level disciplinary actions. These committees are designed not only to adjudicate but also to reconcile disputes where possible. Appeals will lie to the National Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committee, with further escalation to the NEC where necessary.

“This system is intended to eliminate arbitrary disciplinary actions and strengthen internal cohesion.

We have also introduced a robust arbitration framework in response to evolving legal constraints on internal party litigation.

“This provides members with structured mechanisms for resolving grievances, reducing the likelihood of defections arising from unresolved disputes. Recognising that we operate in an era of disruption, we have emphasised adaptability.” (The PUNCH)

•(L-R) African Democratic Congress National Legal Adviser, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, receiving the Constitution Review Report on behalf of ADC National Chairman, David Mark, from the Committee’s Chairman, Etigwe Uwa, SAN, in Abuja on Tuesday. Photo Credit: Abdulrahman Zakariyau

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