The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark, has constituted a 22-member National Convention Central Coordination Committee despite the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission on the party’s leadership.

The committee will oversee preparations for the party’s national convention scheduled for next Tuesday.

INEC had last week stopped recognising Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, even as factional groups have arisen in the opposition party.
But the national body, which had accused INEC of partisanship and working for the ruling party, is insisting that it will go ahead with the conventions, having informed the electoral body of its intention, which the party said was the requirement.

Owing to this, its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stressed that the planned national convention of the party would hold Tuesday, April 14.

The spokesman of the ADC told THISDAY that as part of the planning for the convention, the party has constituted a 22-member National Convention Central Coordination Committee (NCCCC).

The committee would be chaired by former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, with former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as Vice Chairman, while Dr. Ajuji Ahmed is to serve as Secretary.
The central committee would be supported by 339 members distributed across 11 standing committees, barring any last-minute changes.

THISDAY gathered that other members of the central planning committee include former Imo State Governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; retired Commissioner of Police, Tajudeen Bakare; Aminu Abubakar Gwarzo; Hon. Emeka Nwajuba; Solomon Lalong, among others.

The 11 committees include the Legal and Convention Processes Committee, with Olumide Akpata as Chairman-designate, Lilian Oraogbu as Vice Chairman, and Hon. Chille Wanger Igbawua as Secretary.

Other committees are Programmes and Events Sub-committee, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh; Medical Sub-committee, chaired by Dr. Tony Nwoye; Entertainment Sub-committee, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Protocol Sub-committee, headed by Senator Gilbert Nnaji; Welfare Sub-committee, led by Senator Mohammed Ogoshi, and New Media Sub-committee, chaired by Hon. Afam Ogene
The Delegates and Accreditation Committee would be headed by Senator Ireti Kingibe, while Senator Austin Ibrahim will chair the Finance Committee.

The Media and Publicity Committee would be led by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, the Venue Sub-committee by Senator Binos Yaroe, and the Security Sub-committee by AVM Suleiman Adamu (Rtd).

The David Mark-led ADC vowed to proceed with its planned national convention despite INEC’s stance and repeated warnings, even as the crisis in the party deepens.

The party has also accused the electoral body of partisanship, insisting that its chairman and national commissioners should resign.

ADC had further alleged that INEC’s actions pose a threat to democracy and are aimed at weakening opposition parties in pursuit of a one-party state under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The party maintained that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to interpret court rulings as it deems fit.