The Dumebi Kachikwu-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) dissolved the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) during a special convention in Abuja on Sunday.
The motion for dissolution was moved by the Benue ADC chairman, Allias Adiku, seconded by his Zamfara counterpart, Kabiru Garuba, and unanimously adopted by members via a voice vote.
The convention subsequently approved the dissolution of the former NWC and endorsed the election of a new leadership to manage party affairs for the next four years.
The gathering also ratified the party’s 2018 constitution, as amended, as the operational framework guiding ADC activities and administration.
Abdulkadir Bashir Takes the Helm
The convention elected Abdulkadir Bashir as the new national chairman. Other elected NWC members include Johnny Derek as deputy national chairman, Kennedy Odion as national secretary, and Kingsley Ogah as chairman of the board of trustees.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Bashir called for unity, fairness and inclusive leadership, urging members to work collectively toward rebuilding and strengthening the party.
Mr Bashir, an indigene of Katsina State, pledged commitment to democratic principles, transparency and accountable leadership. He said he began active politics in 1999 and previously contested as vice-presidential candidate under the United Democratic Party before joining the ADC.
He was also among the founding figures who introduced and expanded the ADC structure across the North-West geo-political zone.
“I contributed significantly to building the ADC structure in Katsina State and strengthening the party’s presence across the North-West geo-political zone,” he said.
‘ADC Is Not a Private Enterprise’
The chairman attributed the party’s previous internal crisis to selfish interests and attempts by some former leaders to maintain permanent control of the party structure nationwide.
“This is a political party, not a private enterprise. Every political organisation must operate according to established rules, regulations and democratic principles,” he stated.
Mr Bashir noted that good leadership required transparency, fairness, tolerance and loyalty, adding that politics was fundamentally about serving citizens responsibly and inclusively.
“By the grace of God, we fought through lawful processes and reclaimed the party structure for members committed to democratic accountability and responsible leadership,” he added.
The chairman noted that opposition coalition groups had approached the ADC because it remained one of Nigeria’s strongest political parties capable of challenging the ruling party.
He urged members to remain cooperative, loyal and prayerful, stressing that unity and collective commitment were essential for rebuilding and strengthening the ADC.
“Let us unite and continue the good work already started for the success of the ADC, Nigeria and the collective progress of our people,” he stated.
