A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Dumebi Kachikwu has dissolved the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and elected Abdulkadir Bashir as the party’s new National Chairman.
The decision was taken during the party’s special convention held on Sunday in Abuja.
The motion seeking the dissolution of the David Mark-led NWC was moved by the Benue State ADC Chairman, Allias Adiku, and seconded by the Zamfara State Chairman, Kabiru Garuba.
Following the dissolution, delegates approved the emergence of a new National Working Committee to manage the affairs of the party for the next four years.
The convention elected Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman, while Johnny Derek emerged as Deputy National Chairman. Kennedy Odion was elected National Secretary, and Kingsley Ogah was named Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
In his acceptance speech, Bashir called for unity, transparency, fairness, and inclusive leadership within the party.
He urged members to work together to rebuild and strengthen the ADC ahead of future political contests.
Bashir, who hails from Katsina State, said he had been active in Nigerian politics since 1999 and previously contested as a vice-presidential candidate under the United Democratic Party before joining the ADC.
According to him, he played a key role in building the ADC structure across Katsina State and the North-West geopolitical zone.
The new chairman stated that the ADC must continue to operate based on constitutional provisions, democratic principles, and internal regulations.
Bashir attributed the party’s internal crisis to what he described as selfish interests and attempts by some former leaders to maintain permanent control of the party structure.
“This is a political party, not a private enterprise. Every political organisation must operate according to established rules, regulations and democratic principles,” he stated.
The ADC chairman also claimed that several opposition coalition groups approached the party because of its perceived strength and national structure.
He commended members for remaining committed despite internal challenges that affected the party during the 2023 general elections.
Bashir further called on aggrieved members to forgive past disagreements and return to the party in the interest of unity and national development.
“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 concluded.