The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a political party in Nigeria.[1] As of 2022, Ralph Nwosu is the National Chairman.[2] There are 2 ADC members currently in the Nigerian National Assembly.[3] They are all members of the House of Representatives and represent constituencies in Kogi State.[3] There are no ADC members currently in the Nigerian Senate.[4]
History
The party was originally named "Alliance for Democratic Change" when it was formed in 2005, but renamed the African Democratic Congress by the time the party was registered with the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).[5] The goal of this name change was for the party to be able "to effectively encompass and reflect the aspirations of our people."[6] The ADC headquarters is located in Abuja, Nigeria.[7]
On 10 May 2018, the party was adopted by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo's political movement called the "Coalition for Nigeria Movement" (CNM).[8] Obasanjo now serves as the chairman for the party. Per his speech titled "My Treatise For Future Of Democracy And Development In Nigeria", the goal of the CNM adopting the ADC was "to work with others for bringing about desirable change in the Nigeria polity and governance".[9]
Constitution
The African Democratic Congress outlines the details of the party and its workings.[10] The constitution contains a preamble, 27 articles, and 3 schedules.[11] According to the constitution, the goal of the ADC is to be a "grass root" party, composed primarily of working-class and disadvantaged Nigerians.[11] The constitution also outlines that membership of the ADC party is open to "every citizen of Nigeria irrespective religion, ethnic group, place of birth, sex, social or economic status", once they are over 18 years old, not an active public officer, and do not belong to any other political party in Nigeria (membership is extended to those who renounce other party affiliations).[11] Monthly dues for membership in the ADC is 200.00 NGN.[12]
In the 2015 Nigerian Presidential Election, the ADC put forth Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as their candidate. He obtained 29,666 votes which was 0.10% of the votes cast.[16] He placed 7th out of 14 candidates.[15]
As of 2015, there were 5 ADC party members in the House of Representatives and represent constituencies in Oyo State.[20]
Hon. Abiodun Olasupo represents the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa constituency.[21]
Hon. Adeyemi Sunday Adepoju represents the Ibarapa East/Ido constituency.[22]
Hon. Olusunbo Samson represents the Oluyole Local Govt. constituency [23]
Hon. Lam Adedapo represents the Ibadan North-East/ Ibadan South-East constituency.[24]
Hon. Akintola Taiwo represents the Ona-Ara/Egbeda constituency.[25]
^ abTar, Usman A.; Zack-Williams, Alfred B. (2007). "Nigeria: Contested Elections & an Unstable Democracy". Review of African Political Economy. 34 (113): 540–548. JSTOR20406428.