Abuja: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the Sen. David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) during Sunday’s special convention in Abuja.
Benue ADC Chairman, Allias Adiku, moved the motion to dissolve the NWC at the non-elective special convention.
The motion was seconded by the Zamfara ADC Chairman, Kabiru Garuba, and adopted unanimously by members through a voice vote at the convention.
The convention subsequently approved the dissolution of the former NWC, formally ending the Mark-led committee’s leadership, and endorsed the election of a new leadership to manage the party’s affairs for the next four years.
The convention also ratified the adoption of the party’s 2018 constitution, as amended, as the operational framework guiding activities and administration within ADC.
Following the dissolution of the previous NWC at the special convention on Sunday, Abdulkadir Bashir was elected as the new National Chairman to lead the party for the next four years.
The elected NWC members included Johnny Derek as Deputy National Chairman and Kennedy Odion as the National Secretary, while Kingsley Ogah emerged as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
In his acceptance speech, Bashir called for unity, fairness, and inclusive leadership, urging members to work collectively to rebuild and strengthen the party.
Bashir, from Katsina State, pledged commitment to democracy, transparency, and accountability.
He said that he began active politics in 1999 and previously contested as a vice-presidential candidate under the United Democratic Party before joining ADC.
Bashir was also among the founding figures who introduced and expanded the ADC structure across the North-West geo-political zone.
He said he significantly built ADC’s presence in Katsina and the North-West.
The chairman said ADC remained guided by constitutional provisions, democratic principles, and internal regulations, which all party leaders and members must consistently respect.
He attributed the party’s previous internal crisis to selfish interests and to attempts by some former leaders to maintain permanent control over the party’s nationwide structure.
“This is a political party, not a private enterprise. Every political organisation must operate accorADCding to established rules, regulations and democratic principles,” he said.
He said good leadership is transparent, fair, tolerant, and focused on citizen service.
“A good leader must be transparent, just, tolerant and loyal because politics is ultimately about representing and serving the interests of citizens responsibly,” he stated.
He said members resisting injustice faced opposition but defended party democracy through legitimate means.
“By the grace of God, we fought through lawful processes and reclaimed the party structure for members committed to democratic accountability and responsible leadership,” he added.
He noted the opposition coalitions’ approach to ADC for its strength to challenge the ruling party.
He praised the party’s 2023 election performance despite internal crises weakening its structure.
Bashir urged members to remain cooperative, loyal and prayerful, stressing that unity and collective commitment remained essential for rebuilding and strengthening ADC.
He assured members that the party leadership remained committed to changing Nigeria’s political narrative through responsible governance, accountability and people-oriented democratic leadership.
Bashir called on aggrieved members to forgive past differences, return to the party, and contribute collectively to building a stronger political organisation for national development nationwide.
“Let us unite and continue our collective efforts for ADC’s success and Nigeria’s progress,” he concluded.
