ADC unveils star-studded convention committee as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Amaechi take key roles

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a high-profile list of political heavyweights to oversee its national convention scheduled for Monday, April 14, in what many observers see as a major move to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those nominated to conduct the convention are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.

The party also named former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke as chairman of the 126-member Convention Planning Committee, while former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal will serve as deputy chairman.

Other prominent figures on the committee include former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and NNPP chairman loyal to Kwankwaso, Ajuji Ahmed, who will serve as secretary.

Also listed are Ralph Nwosu, Adamu Maina Waziri, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Emeka Ihedioha, Sam Egwu, John Odigie-Oyegun, Pat Utomi, Achike Udenwa, and Kashim Imam.

Convention to Ratify David Mark Leadership

The convention is expected to formally ratify the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

The announcement was contained in a notice jointly signed by ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi and National Organising Secretary Chinedu Idigo, who urged committee members to carry out their duties diligently.

Legal Battles Shadow Convention

The convention comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the party’s leadership.

The same day has been fixed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria for hearing an appeal filed by David Mark, while the Federal High Court is also expected to hear a separate case filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.

ADC Congratulates New State Executives

Meanwhile, the party has congratulated newly elected state chairmen and executives across the federation, describing the peaceful conduct of recent congresses as evidence of its commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.

The ADC said inauguration of the newly elected officials will take place on May 12, 2026, or any later date to be announced by the National Working Committee.

State Congresses Produce New Leaders

In Nasarawa State, delegates from all 13 local government areas elected new officials through consensus.

In Sokoto State, the congress produced Abdullahi Maigwandu as chairman, with Bello Isiaku Meagan and Kabiru Sarkin Fulani among other executives.

In Osun State, Issa Adesiji emerged as chairman, while former commissioner Lani Baderinwa became secretary.

At the Osun congress, governorship candidate Najeem Salaam defended the selection of Yemisi Agiri as his female running mate, saying the decision reflected the party’s commitment to inclusion, gender balance, competence, and wider representation.

Former PDP Leaders Take Over Ondo ADC

In Ondo State, former PDP caretaker chairman Tola Alabere emerged as state chairman, while Dare Akinwale was elected organising secretary.

Other officials include Ola Amure, Kunle Adeloye, and Bobby Omotoso.

Party leaders said the successful conduct of congresses nationwide has positioned the ADC for greater expansion ahead of future elections.

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