ADC hits APC over insecurity, closes ranks ahead of convention

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By Luminous Jannamike

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ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday took direct aim at the ruling APC over worsening insecurity, while moving to close ranks and roll out plans for nationwide congresses and a national convention.

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The party criticised the government where it is most vulnerable, while also showing Nigerians that it is putting its own house in order.

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These positions were outlined on Wednesday in Abuja by the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, at the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

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“Nigeria is now bedevilled by unabating insecurity, kidnapping and violence of immense proportion. Unfortunately, these ills are now the new normal. The ruling APC has shown incompetence. They have shown that they are incapable of arresting the situation,” Mark said.

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At the same time, the party leadership focused heavily on unity. It made clear that internal divisions must be set aside if the ADC is to move forward.

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“Let me emphasise that unity within our ranks is non-negotiable… we must therefore close ranks, deepen consultation, and reinforce confidence in our leadership and processes,” Mark added.

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He also reminded party leaders to put the bigger picture first.

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“As leaders of this great movement, we must rise above personal interests and remain united in our resolve to build a strong, disciplined, and people-oriented party,” Mark urged.

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Looking ahead, the ADC leadership said it is open to working with others who share its vision for the country.

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“The time for collaboration, constructive engagement, and strategic alignment is now,” Mark said.

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Beyond the political messaging, the NEC meeting also produced concrete decisions about the party’s next steps.

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Abdullahi said the NEC approved the report of the Policy and Manifesto Committee, which will now go to the national convention, along with the report of the Constitutional Review Committee.

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“One of the key conclusions of the NEC meeting was to accept the report of the Committee on Policy and Manifesto,” he said.

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The party also confirmed dates for its congresses across the country: ward congresses on 7 April, local government congresses on 9 April, state congresses on 11 April, and the national convention on 14 April in Abuja.

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He clarified that the convention will not involve elections.

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“It’s not an elective convention. It’s not to elect new officers of the party. And it’s not primary,” Abdullahi said.

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According to him, elections of party officers will instead take place during the congresses at the ward, local government and state levels.

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“The convention will ratify all the decisions that have been taken by the National Working Committee and the NEC of the party, up to the last convention,” Abdullahi said.

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The NEC meeting was well attended, with representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in attendance, while guidelines and forms for the congresses have already been distributed nationwide.

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The broader goal, the party suggested, is to position itself as a serious alternative ahead of the next electoral cycle.

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