Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has inaugurated a new leadership team during its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja. Distinguished statesmen Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola were officially sworn in as Interim National Chairman and Interim National Secretary, respectively.

In his inaugural address, Senator Mark reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and inclusivity, pledging that 35% of leadership positions will be reserved for women while ensuring that youth under 40 remain at the center of the party’s operations and future direction. He also announced the establishment of a 50-member Policy Committee tasked with reviewing the party manifesto and spearheading reforms across critical sectors.

Former National Chairman, Hon. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, lauded the ADC’s resilience in the face of political and financial pressure aimed at creating a one-party state.

“ADC said no to dictatorship. We stood our ground for democracy,” he declared.

In a major decision, the NEC resolved to reinstate all previously expelled members, with the exception of 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu. The meeting also passed a motion dissolving the former National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT), granting full executive authority to the new leadership pending the conduct of fresh congresses.

The high-stakes meeting was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), underscoring its significance for the party’s strategic direction and democratic credentials.