BREAKING: Top Political Heavyweights, SAN, Others Make ADC Recent Appointments as Coalition Vows to Remove Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken another decisive step in its bid to reposition itself as a formidable political force ahead of the 2027 general elections, unveiling a powerful 22-member Constitution Review Committee made up of some of Nigeria’s most experienced political actors, legal minds, and technocrats.

The move, which has attracted significant attention within the political space, is widely seen as part of a broader coalition strategy aimed at challenging and ultimately unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential election.

The committee was officially inaugurated on Thursday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, in a ceremony that brought together top party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from across the country. The inauguration marks a critical phase in the ADC’s internal restructuring, as the party seeks to strengthen its internal democracy, enforce discipline, and build an administrative framework capable of supporting its growing ambitions.

Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, underscored the importance of a strong and functional party constitution, describing it as the backbone of any serious political organisation. According to him, no party can hope to gain national relevance or command public trust if its internal processes are weak, unclear, or prone to manipulation.

Mark explained that the decision to review the party’s constitution was driven by the ADC’s recent growth and its increasing role in national political conversations. He noted that as more prominent politicians, professionals, and grassroots supporters align with the party, there is a need to ensure that its governing document reflects modern democratic values and global best practices.

“The constitution is not just a document; it is the soul of the party,” Mark said. “It regulates our conduct, guides our decisions, and ensures that fairness, justice, and internal democracy are upheld at all times. As the ADC continues to grow and attract Nigerians who desire genuine change, we must ensure that our constitution is strong enough to carry this responsibility.”

He added that the review process is aimed at creating a clearer, more inclusive, and more accountable system within the party. According to him, a well-defined constitution will empower party members at all levels, reduce internal conflicts, and promote unity, which he described as essential for the party’s success in future elections.

In a clear message to the committee members, Mark urged them to consult widely with party stakeholders across the country, respect the founding values of the ADC, and resist any attempt to impose narrow interests on the process. He stressed that the outcome of the review must inspire confidence among party members and position the ADC as a credible alternative to the ruling party.

The composition of the 22-member Constitution Review Committee has further reinforced the seriousness of the ADC’s intentions. The committee is chaired by Etigwe Uwa, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), whose legal expertise is expected to provide strong guidance throughout the review process. His appointment, alongside other high-profile figures, signals the party’s determination to produce a constitution that can withstand legal scrutiny and internal political pressures.

Other notable members of the committee include former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; former ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu; former Minority Leader, Hon. Mohammed Kumaila; Senator E.Y. Orker Jev; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Professor Lawal Salihu; retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Adamu; Professor Mohammed Sani Bello; and former House of Representatives member, Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, among others.

The presence of these political heavyweights, academics, security experts, and seasoned lawmakers reflects a deliberate attempt by the ADC to blend experience, professionalism, and inclusiveness in shaping the party’s future. Observers say the diverse background of committee members could help the party address long-standing challenges that often plague political parties in Nigeria, including internal disputes, lack of transparency, and flawed candidate selection processes.

According to the party, the committee has been given a clear mandate to review the existing ADC constitution, identify areas that require amendment or clarification, and ensure that the revised document aligns with Nigeria’s electoral laws and the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Special attention will be paid to issues such as party primaries, congresses, discipline, dispute resolution mechanisms, and internal checks and balances.

In addition, the review process will focus on inclusiveness, with deliberate provisions aimed at strengthening the participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in the party’s decision-making processes. Party insiders say this focus is part of the ADC’s effort to project itself as a progressive and people-oriented party, capable of addressing the aspirations of groups that are often marginalised in Nigerian politics.

In his acceptance speech, the committee chairman, Etigwe Uwa (SAN), expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to deliver on its assignment. He assured party members that the review exercise would be thorough, transparent, and guided strictly by democratic principles.

Uwa was quick to clarify that the task before the committee was not to discard the existing constitution, but to improve upon it in line with current realities and future aspirations. According to him, a robust and well-crafted constitution is essential for preventing internal crises and ensuring fairness in the selection of party leaders and candidates.

“A strong constitution is the first line of defence against internal instability,” Uwa said. “When the rules are clear and respected, it becomes easier to manage disagreements and build trust among members. Our goal is to produce a constitution that promotes unity, fairness, and democratic values, while also protecting the party from avoidable conflicts.”

The recent appointments and the constitution review process are coming at a time when the ADC is increasingly being mentioned in discussions about a possible opposition coalition ahead of 2027. With growing dissatisfaction among sections of the electorate over economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges, opposition parties are under pressure to present a credible and united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Political analysts believe that by strengthening its internal structures and attracting high-profile figures, the ADC is positioning itself as a serious platform for Nigerians seeking political change. While it remains to be seen how the broader opposition coalition will eventually shape up, the party’s latest moves suggest that it is not leaving anything to chance.

As the countdown to the next general election continues, all eyes will be on the outcome of the ADC’s constitution review and how effectively the party can translate its internal reforms into electoral success. For now, the message from the party’s leadership is clear: the ADC is preparing for a major political battle, and it intends to be ready.