Abuja: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Constitution Review Committee has put forward a recommendation for 30 per cent representation for women, 20 per cent for youths, and the inclusion of persons living with disabilities within the party’s structure. This proposal was part of a report submitted to the National Chairman of ADC, Sen. David Mark, at the ADC national secretariat.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the committee, which was inaugurated in January, highlighted significant innovations and departures from the party’s original constitutional framework. Uwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stated that the report aimed to address persistent challenges in Nigeria’s political party system and sought to enhance the party’s functionality beyond its original scope.
The committee sought public inputs, leading to submissions from various stakeholders, including party members, civil society groups, and international organisations. Uwa noted that all received memoranda were reviewed, and the final draft reflected balanced consideration and practical improvements for the party’s constitution.
The report also pointed out the lack of ideological clarity in many Nigerian parties, which often function as power-seeking coalitions. The committee prioritised strengthening ideological foundations within the ADC framework. It also proposed changing the party motto to ‘A united and flourishing Nigeria’ to emphasise national unity and holistic development.
Disciplinary procedures were restructured with state disciplinary and reconciliation committees replacing ward actions. This change aims to ensure fairness, reduce arbitrariness, and promote internal conflict resolution. Uwa commended the committee members for their dedication and commitment.
Receiving the report, Sen. David Mark, represented by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Prof. Osareme Osunbor, described it as a milestone reflecting the commitment to strengthening the ADC institutionally. He emphasised the complexity of constitutional review and assured that the recommendations would be examined with fairness and equity.
Mark stressed the importance of discipline, loyalty, and commitment beyond constitutional provisions and called for unity and collective focus. He noted that Nigerians are seeking credible alternatives, and a strong and forward-looking constitution is vital for positioning ADC as a viable platform.