2027: ADC dares court, INEC, holds convention

Despite a court order and political moves to deny it use of a venue, the Senator David Mark-led African Democratic Congress, ADC, yesterday, held its National Convention in Abuja, where leaders drawn from all parts of the country ratified the party’s constitution and processes that led to Mark’s emergence. This is even as the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, yesterday ordered the party not to proceed with the convention, just as the Supreme Court slated April 22, to hear an appeal concerning the leadership crisis in the party.

This was as another Federal High Court in Abuja, declined to grant an application by Senator David Mark-led leadership, seeking the hearing of all pending motions, including the substantive case, in the Nafiu-Bala Gombe’s suit.

Gombe prayed the lower court to adjourn the case with Mark indefinitely.
One of the major highlights of the exercise was the arrival of Mallam El-Rufai who freed yesterday.
Exuding confidence, party leaders at the convention okayed the exercise as valid, noting that Nigerian’s democracy is at risk and vowed to resist moves to destroy the country’s democratic rule.

Roll call
Party leaders and topshots at the convention attended by the Chinese, British and Norwegian envoys, include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and current ADC National Chairman, David Mark; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Senator Dino Melaye.

Also in attendance were former National Chairman of ADC, Ralph Nwosu; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former Justice Minister, Mr Abubakar Malami; and Senator Ireti Kingibe.

The national convention equally featured former governor of Ebonyi, Dr Sam Egwu; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal; former NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata; former Cross River State Governors, Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke; former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa; Chief Great Ogboru; and Kashim Imam, among others.