African Democratic Congress overhaul aims to boost female and young people's representation

David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, received the report of the party's Constitution Review Committee on Tuesday, vowing to create a stronger, more disciplined, and united party.

n

The report was presented by the committee's chairman, Etigwe Uwa, at the ADC office in Wuse, Abuja, where Mark was represented by the party's National Legal Adviser, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor.

n

The party's constitution is being reviewed to enhance women and youth inclusion, technological modernisation, internal democracy, and discipline, among other areas.

n

Mark had formally inaugurated the 22-member committee on January 8, 2026, with the mandate to review the party's constitution to reflect global best practices and strengthen internal democracy.

n

The committee's task was to improve dispute resolution mechanisms, promote greater transparency, and reflect the realities of the time, the expectations of members, and the urgent need to strengthen internal democracy.

n

Mark described the party's constitution as the soul of its aspirations, defining its identity, values, and service to Nigerians, and noted that the review process must reflect the realities of time.

n

He expressed encouragement that the review process involved wide consultations across the states, zones, and critical stakeholders of the party, reinforcing the belief that the ADC belongs to all its members.

n

Mark assured that the National Working Committee would carefully study the report's recommendations with utmost seriousness, examining every proposal in line with the party's core values of fairness, justice, and equity.

n

He reminded that no constitution, no matter how well crafted, can substitute for the discipline, loyalty, and commitment of members, and that the strength of any political party lies in its members' willingness to abide by its rules.

n

At this critical juncture in the national life, Mark urged party members to stay united and committed, setting aside personal interests to build a party that reflects Nigerians' aspirations.

n

The committee chairman, Uwa, 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.

n

Uwa announced that the party motto has been streamlined to "A united and flourishing Nigeria", recognising that disunity remains a major national challenge and that national progress must extend beyond economic growth.

n

The committee proposed the creation of the Office of the National Technology Secretary to drive the party's technological strategy, recognising that any party that neglects technology risks being outpaced by more agile competitors.

n

Membership provisions have been restructured to incorporate digital registration, and the committee proposed that the NWC and NEC be empowered to issue guidelines that bridge the gap between technological advancements and constitutional provisions.

n

The committee introduced affirmative action provisions, proposing 30 per cent representation for women and 20 per cent for youths, alongside measures to ensure inclusion of persons living with disabilities.

n

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

n

The committee introduced provisions for virtual and hybrid meetings, which proved effective during their work and will enhance efficiency going forward.

n

A major reform is the streamlining of disciplinary procedures, with the establishment of State Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees, replacing ward- and local government-level disciplinary actions.

n

These committees are designed not only to adjudicate but also to reconcile disputes where possible, with appeals lying to the National Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committee, and further escalation to the NEC where necessary.

n

The committee introduced a robust arbitration framework in response to evolving legal constraints on internal party litigation, providing members with structured mechanisms for resolving grievances and reducing the likelihood of defections.