African Democratic Congress (ADC) Interim National Chairman Senator David Mark yesterday said the opposition party will not bow to intimidation and pressures from any quarter.
“We will not surrender, we will not retreat,” he said, as he declared open the maiden National Convention of the party in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“What is at stake is not just about the ADC or the opposition. It is the very survival of democracy,” Mark added.
The Interim National Secretary, Chief Rauf Aregbesola, who gave a report on the activities of the party, alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Prof. Ojo Amupitan has become a theatre of illegality and criminality.
The convention was held in an atmosphere of anxiety on the day ADC resumed its legal battles over its protracted leadership tussles.
Also, ADC is locked in battle with the electoral agency over the withdrawal of recognition from Mark and Aregbesola as party leaders.
The convention was not monitored by the INEC.
On Monday, party leaders also clashed with the FCT authorities over the alleged denial of approval for the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as venue, a claim denied by the YCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.
At the Crown Event Centre, venue of the convention were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi; former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Iheodioha; Muhammed Hayatu-Deen; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal; former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke; and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
The convention was also witnessed by Prof. Pat Utomi; former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung; former Attorney-General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Ebonyi Governor Sam Egwu; former Presidential Adviser Ben Obi, former Director of State Service Lawal Daura; Senator Ireti Kingibe; and Senator Kabiru Gaya.
The 1,115 delegates at the convention ratified the expulsion of some party chieftains over alleged anti-party activities and the amendments to the party’s constitution.
