The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over what it described as worsening insecurity in Nigeria, while also closing ranks within its own leadership and unveiling plans for nationwide party congresses and a national convention.
The party’s National Chairman, David Mark, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlined these positions at the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The ADC’s statements come amid ongoing national concerns about insecurity, kidnapping, and violent crime. Political parties often use internal meetings to position their policy criticisms ahead of national elections.
The NEC meeting was convened to assess the party’s direction and internal unity, while responding to national political and security developments.
At the Abuja meeting, David Mark stated that Nigeria faces “unabating insecurity, kidnapping and violence of immense proportion” and described these conditions as “the new normal,” asserting that the ruling APC had shown “incompetence” and was “incapable of arresting the situation.”
Mark also emphasised unity within the ADC, urging members to set aside internal differences.
“Let me emphasise that unity within our ranks is non‑negotiable… we must therefore close ranks, deepen consultation, and reinforce confidence in our leadership and processes,” he said.
He added: “As leaders of this great movement, we must rise above personal interests and remain united in our resolve to build a strong, disciplined, and people‑oriented party.”
Mark further stated the party’s openness to collaboration with others who share its vision for Nigeria’s future.
“The time for collaboration, constructive engagement, and strategic alignment is now,” he said.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi reported that the NEC accepted the Policy and Manifesto Committee report, as well as the report of the Constitutional Review Committee, and will forward them to the national convention.
Abdullahi also confirmed the schedule for the party’s congresses: ward congresses on 7 April; local government congresses on 9 April; state congresses on 11 April; and the national convention on 14 April in Abuja.
He clarified that the national convention will not involve elections of party officers.
“The convention will ratify all the decisions that have been taken by the National Working Committee and the NEC of the party, up to the last convention,” Abdullahi said.
Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) attended the NEC meeting, and guidelines and forms for the congresses have been distributed nationwide.
The ADC’s criticism of the APC’s handling of insecurity highlights a clear political differentiation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By outlining its own internal plans and party calendar, the ADC is signalling organisational readiness and internal cohesion in anticipation of broader electoral engagement.
The scheduled congresses and national convention are part of the party’s efforts to formalise its policy positions and leadership structures.
The presence of INEC representatives at the NEC meeting suggests adherence to statutory requirements for party organisational processes.
