Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged the African Democratic Congress to rally around a strong and credible candidate, warning that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not willingly relinquish power to the opposition or the electorate.
Amaechi made the remarks on Tuesday at the party’s national convention held in Abuja. During his address, he criticised the current administration over rising insecurity across the country, citing incidents of killings, kidnappings, and widespread displacement of citizens.
He called on party leaders and members to unite and mount a serious challenge against the government, questioning what he described as restrictions on political gatherings despite constitutional guarantees. He also accused those in power of prioritising personal gain over governance, alleging a lack of accountability among officials.
Meanwhile, the convention, led by former Senate President David Mark, witnessed the expulsion of several senior party figures over alleged anti-party activities. Those affected include factional national chairman Nafiu Bala and House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, alongside other officials such as Kenneth Ehiator, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu.
The decision followed a motion presented by Senator Binos Yaroe, representing Adamawa South, which was adopted by delegates at the gathering. Party officials said the expulsions were necessary due to actions considered harmful to the unity and progress of the ADC, amid a deepening leadership crisis that has split the party into rival factions.
The development comes as the party continues to grapple with internal disputes over control of its national structure, with competing factions laying claim to legitimacy.
The convention also took place against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings at the Supreme Court concerning the leadership tussle. Counsel to the party, Jibrin Okutepa, had earlier disclosed that the court granted accelerated hearing of the appeals, setting deadlines for submissions by all parties involved.
The legal battle stems from a Court of Appeal ruling that reignited the crisis, particularly following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official records.