The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has established a 22-member Constitution Review Committee to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, and party administration.
The committee was inaugurated at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, said the party’s constitution is central to its growth and direction. He described it as a guide that “guides our conduct, regulates our internal processes, and safeguards internal democracy.”
Mark said the review had become necessary as the party continues to grow, adding that the ADC must align its operations with global democratic standards.
According to him, the exercise is “about ensuring clarity, fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability in our structures and processes.”
He explained that the goal is to create a system that empowers members, promotes unity, settles disputes fairly, and positions the ADC as a credible alternative for national leadership.
The former Senate President urged committee members to carry party members along at all levels. He asked them to “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.”
The committee is chaired by Etigwe Uwa, SAN. Other members include Barrister Aishatu Dan-Kani, Professor Lawal Salihu, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, E.Y. Orker-Jev, Idris Abdullahi Umar, and Chief Ralph Nwosu, among others.
Part of the committee’s assignment is to review the existing ADC constitution and identify areas that require amendment or clarification.
It will also ensure the document aligns with democratic best practices, electoral laws, and the Nigerian Constitution.
The panel is expected to strengthen rules on inclusiveness, transparency, party primaries, congresses, discipline, and dispute resolution, with particular attention to women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
In his acceptance speech, committee chairman Uwa said members were ready to give their best to the task.
He said they would deploy “our mental and physical resources to ensure that the assignment is successfully executed.”
Uwa noted that the aim is not to discard the current constitution but to improve it, stressing that “the review is not because the current constitution is not good, but the purpose of the review is to make the constitution much better.”
He added that a strong constitution would help protect the party from internal crises and ensure the fair and democratic selection of leaders and candidates.