The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday, officially dissolved its National Working Committee (NWC), effective immediately.
The action signaled the effective hand-over of the party’s structure at the national level to the David Mark-led interim national leadership.
The dissolution followed a motion moved by the ADC’s erstwhile National Organising Secretary, Ibrahim Suleiman. It was seconded by Mr Charles Omidiji, a member from Osun State.
The change in leadership baton was the highlight of the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The NEC meeting, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was the last to be convened by the erstwhile leadership, and the first by the new set.
Present at the meeting were Mark; the ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi among others.
In his acceptance speech as National Chairman, Mark announced plans to set up a 50-member Policy Committee in the days ahead.
The committee, he said would draw up implementable policies covering health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, infrastructure and other services.
“I assure you that under my leadership, we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges. Internal democracy, transparency and accountability will be our mantra.
“We will guarantee collective leadership at all levels. We will build a technically competent bureaucracy for the party and ensure a structured financing. All members will truly own the party.
“We will be fair and just to all party members. We promise to be totally transparent. ADC will have zero tolerance for anti-party and other forms of indiscipline.
“We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. From the polling units, wards up to the national level, every organ will be re-energised.
“We will open the gates for the next generation. Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women and not just tokenism,” Mark said.
The party said it has reserved 35 percent of its leadership positions for women, and a commitment to have youths below the age of 40 years in the leadership.
The ADC also hinted at intention to raise a committee to review the party’s manifesto and constitution within the shortest possible time, to meet and reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance. We will not leave it to the discretion of individual candidate to choose what to do with power.
“This underlines ADC’s focus in achieving good governance for Nigerians. This leadership will be transparent, honest and responsive to the needs of its members and the needs of the Nigerian people.
“Finally, we invite all Nigerians to join our party. ADC is the only party that guarantees equal opportunity to everyone regardless of age, gender, religion or region. Our handshake is across all divides,” Mark added.
