The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally transferred the party’s leadership to former Senate President, David Mark, and was inaugurated as National Chairman at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.
The development marks the end of an era under the party’s founding National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu.
The New National Chairman, in his acceptance speech, made a commitment that his leadership will be characterised by integrity, transparency, courage, and inclusivity, setting a tone of reform and grassroots empowerment.
“Today marks not just the beginning of a new NEC session, but the dawn of a new chapter in the ADC; a chapter we must write together with unity and conviction.
“Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra,” he added.
Mark declared that 35 per cent of the party’s leadership positions would be reserved for women, and significant space created for youth under 40.
He, however, commended the outgoing NWC for establishing a solid foundation and committed to building on their achievements by reforming internal party structures, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring the party genuinely belongs to its members. He pledged to end imposition and political elitism.
The chairman announced the creation of a 50-member policy committee that will define the party’s blueprint across key sectors including health, education, agriculture, security, and the economy.
According to him, the aim is to ensure the ADC is recognised for “clear ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance,” rather than leaving the future of the party to the discretion of individual candidates.
Furthermore, the NEC meeting dissolved the existing National Working Committee (NWC) and approved the formation of a caretaker committee to guide the party until its next national convention.
