Put personal interest aside, Mark charges ADC members

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has charged members of the party to put aside personal interests so as to build a political platform that reflects the aspirations and hopes of Nigerians.

Mark, who stated this while receiving the report of the ADC Constitution Review Committee said the citizens were looking up to credible alternative political platforms that are organised, principled and people oriented.

Mark, who was  represented by the National Legal Adviser, Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, assured that the National Working Committee (NWC) will ensure that all the proposals are examined in line with the party’s values of fairness, justice and equity and the overall interest of the party and country.

Nonetheless, he stated no constitution, no matter how well crafted, can be a substitute for loyalty, discipline and commitment of members, stating that the strength of any political party lies in its rules, as well as willingness of its members to comply with them.

“At this critical juncture in our national life, Nigerians are looking up to credible alternatives—parties that are organized, principled, and people-oriented. The ADC must continue to position itself as that viable platform. A strong, clear, and forward-looking constitution is central to achieving this objective.

“I, therefore, urge all party members to remain united, focused and committed as we move to the next stage of this process. Let us put aside personal interests and work collectively to build a party that truly reflects the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.”

Mark commended the members of the Committee for their diligence, sacrifice and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.

“Our party’s constitution is not just a document; it is the soul of our collective aspirations. It defines who we are, what we stand for, and how we organize ourselves to serve the Nigerian people. Therefore, the task of reviewing it must reflect the realities of our time, the expectations of our members, and the urgent need to strengthen internal democracy, transparency, and accountability,” he stated.

Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, Etigwe Uwa, said the panel, among others, proposed the streamlining of discipline procedures in the opposition party.

According to him, State Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees have been proposed to replace disciplinary actions at the ward and local government levels, while appeals will be handled by the National Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committee.

“A major reform is the streamlining of disciplinary procedures. State Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees have been established, replacing ward- and local government-level disciplinary actions. “These committees are designed not only to adjudicate but also to reconcile disputes where possible. Appeals will lie to the National Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committee, with further escalation to NEC where necessary. This system is intended to eliminate arbitrary disciplinary actions and strengthen internal cohesion.

“We have also introduced a robust arbitration framework in response to evolving legal constraints on internal party litigation. This provides members with structured mechanisms for resolving grievances, reducing the likelihood of defections arising from unresolved disputes.”