ADC Appoints Abaribe Ihedioha Sani Bello Others to Constitution Review Committee

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has inaugurated a 22-member Constitution Review Committee tasked with refining the party’s internal democracy, improving administrative efficiency, and reinforcing discipline among members. The official launch took place on Thursday at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja.

Purpose and Significance

Senator David Mark, ADC National Chairman, emphasized that the party’s constitution serves as the backbone of its operations. He noted that with the party’s rapid growth, updating the constitution has become essential to maintain transparency, inclusivity, and alignment with international democratic standards.

“The constitution guides our internal operations and safeguards democratic practices,” Mark said. “Our objective is to establish a framework that unites, empowers, and protects all members.”

He urged the committee to engage with stakeholders at all levels, remain faithful to ADC’s founding principles, and ensure that the revised constitution promotes fairness, accountability, and internal democracy.

Committee Composition

The committee is chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Etigwe Uwa (SAN) and comprises prominent figures, including:

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe
Former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha
Former National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu
Former Minority Leader Hon. Mohammed Kumaila
Senator E.Y. Orker Jev
Professor Lawal Salihu
Retired DIG Ibrahim Adamu
Professor Mohammed Sani Bello
Former House of Representatives member Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum

The committee will assess the existing constitution, identify areas that require updates, and ensure that all revisions adhere to Nigerian electoral laws, the national constitution, and international democratic principles.

Key Focus Areas

The review will cover several critical aspects of party governance, including:

Party primaries and congress procedures
Conflict resolution and disciplinary mechanisms
Inclusivity, with particular emphasis on women, youth, and persons with disabilities
Transparency and accountability in leadership selection

Committee Chairman Etigwe Uwa highlighted that the goal is not to discard the current constitution but to strengthen it for better governance. “A well-structured constitution is essential to prevent internal conflicts and guarantee a credible, democratic process for selecting party leaders and candidates,” he stated.

Commentary: Institutionalizing Democracy

Analysts note that ADC’s proactive approach to reviewing its constitution reflects a commitment to institutional maturity. By involving high-profile political figures and emphasizing inclusivity, transparency, and procedural clarity, the party is positioning itself as a model for internal democratic governance in Nigeria. Experts suggest that this exercise could enhance member confidence, reduce internal disputes, and provide a solid foundation for contesting elections in a credible and disciplined manner.