The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday opened its national convention in Abuja, bringing together top party leaders and political heavyweights as it moves to consolidate its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those present were former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The convention is expected to ratify a new constitution and manifesto, which party leaders say will guide ADC’s strategy and repositioning ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking at the event in his capacity as National Secretary, Aregbesola said the party was on a “rescue mission” to address Nigeria’s challenges and rejected what he described as continued misgovernance.
“The ADC is on a rescue mission.
There is no need to allow scammers to continue in power,” he said.
Aregbesola, who also delivered what he called a “state of the party report,” said the ADC represents the will of Nigerians seeking change, insisting that the party’s emergence is rooted in constitutional freedoms.
He also criticised the current economic situation, alleging sharp currency depreciation, rising fuel costs, worsening power supply, and deepening poverty, which he said had left millions of Nigerians struggling.
On security, he said the country was facing worsening insecurity and accused political leaders of lacking empathy in responding to recent attacks.
Despite the criticisms, party leaders maintained that the ADC had grown into a major opposition force within months of its reorganisation, claiming expanded national structures and increased political relevance.
The convention continues in Abuja with delegates expected to adopt key policy documents and formalise the party’s direction toward 2027.
