-
Abaribe, Ihedioha, Maduabum, 19 others make review committee list
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday commenced the review of its constitution with a view to ensuring that it reflects present realities, meet future challenges, and aligns with global best practices in democratic party administration.
The National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark gave the explanation at the formal inauguration of the party’s 22-member Constitution Review Committee in Abuja.
Mark, a former Senate President, declared pointed out that the exercise is not about changing principles; stressing that, “it is about strengthening them”.
The National Chairman of the coalition party directed the committee to thoroughly review of the existing ADC Constitution and identify areas requiring amendment, clarification, or updating, said the exercise is to ensure clarity, fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability in the party’s structures and processes.
His words, “A party’s constitution is its moral compass and legal backbone. It defines our ideology, guides our conduct, regulates our internal processes, and safeguards internal democracy”.
Mark declared that the party wants a constitution that empowers its members, promotes unity, resolves disputes fairly, and positions the ADC as a credible alternative for national leadership.
“The inauguration of the ADC Constitution Review Committee underscores our collective resolve to build a party founded on strong democratic values, internal cohesion, and effective governance,” he stated.
The members of the committee, he explained, were carefully selected based on their experience, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the party.
Mark reminded them that they are carrying a great responsibility, and urged them to “approach this assignment with open minds, broad consultations, and an unwavering commitment to the collective interest of the ADC”.
Continuing, he said, “You must listen to the voices of party members at all levels, respect our founding values, and produce a constitution that strengthens internal democracy, enhances discipline, and guarantees transparency in party affairs.”
The committee which was given eleven terms of reference, was mandated to ensure that the revised constitution aligns with global best practices in democratic governance, party administration, and internal democracy.
It is also expected to produced a revised constitution that promotes inclusiveness, transparency, equity, and fair participation of all members, including women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
Other areas of review include provisions relating to party primaries, congresses, dispute resolution, discipline, and sanctions to ensure fairness and credibility, as well as the roles, powers, and relationships of party organs at all levels to enhance efficiency, accountability, and coordination.
The committee is to ensure that the ADC constitution complies with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant electoral laws and regulations.
Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the ADC Constitution Review Committee, Etigwe Uwa, SAN, said the review is not because the current constitution is not good, “but the purpose is to make the constitution much better.
He assured that the committee would work with dispatch “realizing the urgency and would utilise physical and virtual means to achieve our ends.
In his words, “We would seek inputs from as many members as we can and we would do our best to produce a near ideal autochthonous and workable constitution that enjoys the buy-in and acceptance across the party and across our country.”
Among embers of the committee are; former ADC National Chairman, Dr. Ralphs Nwosu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha among others and former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Hon CID Maduabum.
The committee has 30 days to submit an interim report and proposed amendments to the National Working Committee (NWC).
