The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, on Tuesday received the report of the party’s Constitution Review Committee, promising a stronger, more disciplined and united party.

Mark, represented by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, received the report of the Etigwe Uwa (SAN)-led committee at the ADC office in Wuse, Abuja.

The party is reviewing the constitution to enhance women, youth inclusion, technological modernisation, internal democracy and discipline, among others.

Mark formally inaugurated the 22-member committee on January 8, 2026.

The committee’s mandate is to review the party’s constitution to reflect global best practices, strengthen internal democracy, improve dispute resolution mechanisms, and promote greater transparency.

Speaking while receiving the report, Mark described the party’s constitution as the soul of its aspirations, defining its identity, values, and service to Nigerians.

He noted that the task of reviewing the constitution must reflect the realities of time, the expectations of members, and the urgent need to strengthen internal democracy, transparency, and accountability.
“I am particularly encouraged that this review process involved wide consultations across the states, zones, and critical stakeholders of our party. This inclusive approach reinforces our belief that the ADC belongs to all its members, irrespective of status or position.

“As we receive this report today, let me assure you that the National Working Committee will carefully study its recommendations with utmost seriousness.

“We shall ensure that every proposal is examined in line with our core values of fairness, justice, and equity, and in the best interest of the party and our dear nation,” he said.

The national chairman added, “Let me also use this opportunity to remind us that no constitution, no matter how well crafted, can substitute for the discipline, loyalty, and commitment of members.

“The strength of any political party lies not only in its rules but in the willingness of its members to abide by them.

“At this critical juncture in our national life, Nigerians are looking up to credible alternative parties that are organised, principled, and people-oriented.

“The ADC must continue to position itself as that viable platform. A strong, clear, and forward-looking constitution is central to achieving this objective.”

He urged party members to stay united and committed, setting aside personal interests to build a party that reflects Nigerians’ aspirations.

While presenting the report, the committee chairman stated that they tackled key systemic challenges, introducing a preamble that reflects the party’s shared history, sense of nationhood, and vision for a united, prosperous, just, and transparent Nigeria with an inclusive, grassroots-based political structure.

Uwa stated, “The party motto has also been streamlined to: ‘A united and flourishing Nigeria’. This reflects our recognition that disunity remains a major national challenge and that national progress must extend beyond economic growth to all areas of life.

“Membership provisions have been restructured to incorporate digital registration. Recognising that technology evolves faster than regulation, we have proposed that the NWC and NEC be empowered to issue guidelines that bridge the gap between technological advancements and constitutional provisions.

“Nigeria is rapidly digitising. The Electoral Act now requires digital registers, and the trajectory points towards electronic voting, expanded electronic transmission, and increased reliance on data-driven tools such as opinion polling.

“In response, we have proposed the creation of the Office of the National Technology Secretary to drive the party’s technological strategy. Any party that neglects technology risks being outpaced by more agile competitors.

“We have also introduced affirmative action provisions, proposing 30 per cent representation for women and 20 per cent for youths, alongside measures to ensure inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

He said the grassroots structures had been strengthened, building on existing frameworks such as polling unit executives that are vital for effective engagement at the community level.

Uwa added, “In addition, we have introduced provisions for virtual and hybrid meetings. Given the geographical spread of members and the cost of physical meetings, this approach proved effective during our work and will enhance efficiency going forward.

“A major reform is the streamlining of disciplinary procedures. State Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees have been established, replacing ward- and local government-level disciplinary actions.

“These committees are designed not only to adjudicate but also to reconcile disputes where possible. Appeals will lie to the National Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committee, with further escalation to the NEC where necessary.”

He added, “This system is intended to eliminate arbitrary disciplinary actions and strengthen internal cohesion. We have also introduced a robust arbitration framework in response to evolving legal constraints on internal party litigation.

“This provides members with structured mechanisms for resolving grievances, reducing the likelihood of defections arising from unresolved disputes. Recognising that we operate in an era of disruption, we have emphasised adaptability.”

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Political parties have raised concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s newly unveiled 2026 draft regulations for political parties, warning that certain provisions could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a consultative meeting in Abuja, leaders, under the Inter-Party Advisory Council, criticised requirements such as mandatory direct primaries and strict submission of membership registers, describing them as impractical and exclusionary.

They urged INEC and the National Assembly to review the rules to safeguard transparency, inclusivity, and public confidence in the electoral process.

The concerns were raised after the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, unveiled a revised draft of its 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, seeking their input to strengthen the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, raised concerns over provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that unresolved issues could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

“Critical issues, if not urgently addressed, could jeopardise the success of the 2027 General Election,” he said.

Dantalle described the law as falling short of public expectations, arguing that it represented a setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

“Rather than advancing our democratic journey, it represents a significant regression,” he stated,

He noted that Nigerians had anticipated a more inclusive and people-oriented framework as he criticised provisions he said placed undue pressure on political parties, particularly those outside the government, and called for a review of the mandatory direct primaries.

“The choice of candidate selection methods remains an internal affair of political parties,” he said, urging the National Assembly to restore indirect primaries as an option.

The IPAC chairman further described as impractical and exclusionary, the requirement for parties to submit membership registers, including National Identification Numbers, within a limited timeframe.

He also called for mandatory electronic transmission of election results, warning against a repeat of past lapses.

“This is a fundamental demand of the Nigerian people,” he added.

Dantalle emphasised the need for stronger measures against electoral malpractice, including the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, while urging stakeholders to rebuild public trust in the system.

“The credibility of the commission is at stake, and public confidence hinges on the assurance that every vote will count,” he said.

He added that the international community would be closely watching Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

Earlier, Amupitan stressed that credible elections begin long before voting day, emphasising the importance of transparency in candidate selection processes.

“We gather not only to discuss the newly drafted INEC Regulation and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to enhancing the democratic process in Nigeria.

“Credible elections begin long before polling day; they begin in the transparency of the processes that produce the candidates,” he said.

Amupitan explained that the revised guidelines followed a comprehensive review of the 2022 regulations and were informed by empirical findings, including the Political Party Performance Index developed with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

He noted that the review exposed a “disturbing gap between party constitutions and grassroots realities.”

He added that the new framework introduced reforms across key areas such as party registration and mergers, internal operations, conduct of primaries, campaign activities, financial transparency, and conditions for deregistration.

According to him, the measures were aimed at curbing irregularities, particularly in party primaries.

“These guidelines aim to sanitise party primaries and end opaque processes that impose unpopular candidates, fuelling voter apathy and avoidable litigation,” he said.

The INEC chairman also highlighted provisions on campaign finance, noting that the Electoral Act 2026 empowers the commission to determine election expenses in consultation with political parties.

He urged stakeholders to pay close attention to clauses relating to funding and expenditure.

With the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly poll scheduled for January 16 and governorship and state houses of assembly for February 6, Amupitan warned that the commission was operating within a compressed timeline.

“We are operating within a compressed timetable, which demands what I call surgical precision,” he noted.

He further disclosed that the draft regulations incorporate measurable benchmarks to boost the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Urging constructive engagement, he asked political parties to view the regulations as safeguards rather than restrictions.

“By sharpening these rules, we are protecting the sovereign will of the Nigerian people from nomination to the final declaration of results,” he said.

Reaffirming INEC’s neutrality, he added, “INEC remains a neutral umpire, but we are no longer passive observers to the erosion of democratic values,” he added.

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The ruling All Progressives Congress on Tuesday screened the National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and other aspirants for positions in the party’s National Working Committee.

The chairman of the screening sub-committee and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, assured a transparent and credible convention during the exercise held at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja, ahead of the APC’s national convention scheduled for March 27–28.

As outlined in Article 11, Section 12.4 of the APC Constitution (March 2022, as amended), the National Working Committee comprises the National Chairman, National Secretary, Deputy National Chairman (South), and Deputy National Chairman (North).

Additional members include the Deputy National Secretary, six National Vice Chairmen representing each geopolitical zone (Zonal Chairmen), the National Legal Adviser, National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary, National Organising Secretary, National Welfare Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Auditor, National Woman Leader, Deputy National Woman Leader, National Youth Leader, and the National Leader for Persons Living with Disabilities.

Most members of the current APC National Working Committee were elected in August 2023, while the incumbent national chairman took office in July 2025.

Notably, Article 17, titled Tenure of Office of the APC Constitution (March 2022 as amended) states that: “Except as otherwise provided in this constitution, all officers of the party elected or appointed into the party’s organs shall serve in such organs for a period of four (4) years and shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment for another period of four (4) years only, provided that an officer elected or appointed to fill a vacancy arising from death, resignation or otherwise shall, notwithstanding, be eligible for election to the same Office for two terms.”

The PUNCH on February 24 exclusively reported that Yilwatda and Basiru will be retained in their current positions, as many of the NWC members are reportedly interested in pursuing a second term, contingent on receiving approval from key party leaders, especially the governors.

Oyebanji, speaking before the screening exercise, stated that their responsibility was to vet aspirants by reviewing their credentials and posing key questions.

He stated, “Our duty is to screen all aspirants, even those we know well. We will carefully review their credentials and ask important questions.

“We are committed to ensuring a transparent and fair process, and with the work we and the other sub-committees are doing, this national convention will be credible.”

During his screening, Yilwatda emphasised that in the party, all members are accountable to the system and its processes.

He also highlighted that the party has a strong youth presence. Seeking re-election, Yilwatda stated that under his leadership, the party would prioritise the value of membership over personal friendships.

He stated, “And I must thank you for creating this belief and also ensuring that the system prevails over individuals. And I am so proud that we’re leading the party that is providing the best leadership for democracy in this country.

“Unlike other political parties, where every day you see the members of the convention committee making contrarian statements, arguing among themselves, and sometimes fighting over issues, I have not seen anything like that in the convention committee, in all the subcommittees.

“We’ve seen growth in the party, and it’s not a one-man job. Some of you here have been part of the people who reached out to leaders who were brought back into the APC.

“We’ve also seen the deepening of technology. The registration of the membership has given us more data-driven positioning of the party.

“It is now that we know that our party is more youth-driven than any other party. Before now, most people were telling us that they had the youth. We didn’t know that the youth were with the APC. Fifty per cent of the members of the APC are between the ages of 18 and 35.

“And it shows clearly that we have the youth on our side. We are the most youthful party in the country. People within the age of 50 and above make up just 18 per cent of the membership of the party.

“It clearly shows that the party is one of the most youthful parties in the country, which means the party has a future.”

The APC national chairman further noted that the party had demonstrated a more inclusive system than any other political party in Nigeria.

“APC is the only political party with a presence across all six geopolitical zones. Is it the governors? Is it the membership? Is it winning elections? If you look at all the by-elections conducted, we’ve won elections in all six zones. No political party has done this.

“Most political parties dominate only a zone, but APC has presence in all six geopolitical zones — we’ve won in Kano, Zaria, Adamawa, the Southwest, the South-South, and the Southeast. It shows the reach and strength of the party,” he added.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his screening, Basiru, who is also seeking re-election, stated that he and other members of the NWC would focus on strengthening the party and ensuring that its structures, from polling units to the national convention, are fully active.

He added that the screening committee commended their efforts since assuming leadership of the party in August 2023.

He stated, “And of course, we are charged to continue to work towards making the party cohesive and to ensure fairness and justice to all party members.

“So, by and large, when you are a member of the party, and you are contesting for the same position, it will be a double-edged sword.”

Basiru, who is the sole aspirant for the position of the national secretary, expressed optimism that the convention would be peaceful, vibrant, and one of the most memorable political gatherings in Nigeria.

The Deputy National Organising Secretary of the party, Francis Duru, said contrary to perception, Friday’s convention is not a coronation but a consensus arrangement.

“I would like to say that it is majorly consensus. It also underpins the basic tenet for which APC is known.

“As much as possible, building a consensus, bringing people together behind the scenes, working harder to ensure that there is no rupture and there is no implosion, as people would like to have it.

“It does not mean that there are no contests. It doesn’t mean that there are no disagreements. But once the party has the internal mechanism, there can only be one person that occupies an office; it cannot be two, and if it is two, it makes it a lot easier,” he said.

Among the current NWC members screened to retain their positions are National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, National Legal Adviser, Prof Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana (Nasarawa State), National Woman Leader, Mary Alile Idele (Edo State), and National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, among others.

Meanwhile, the Media and Publicity Committee of the convention has announced plans to hold a global press conference on Thursday to outline its preparations.

The announcement was made by the committee’s co-chairman and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a meeting of the committee on Tuesday.

In a statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the committee said, “As part of what we need to do, a major press conference will be held on Thursday to unveil the expectations of the party to Nigerians.”

He urged committee members to work collaboratively to ensure effective communication and the successful delivery of the convention, stressing the need for unity and commitment.

“It is important that members of the committee realise that a lot of sacrifice is expected from all, in line with the party’s vision for a united and disciplined approach to communicating to Nigerians,” he stated.

Idris also reminded members of the importance of maintaining internal democratic values within the party, noting its status as Africa’s largest political party.

“As party members, we must subject ourselves to a significant attribute of our President, who throughout his political career, and particularly in the last three years of his national leadership, has subjected himself to all internal democratic processes,” he added.

The APC national convention is scheduled to take place from March 27 to 28, 2026, in Abuja.

Among those in attendance at the meeting were the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare; Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu; House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Tunde Rahman; Vice Chairman of the Committee, Istifanus Gyang; Assistant Secretary, Mary Ikoku; Secretary 1, Abimbola Tooki; and others.