Key opposition leaders including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso were present on Tuesday as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held its National Convention in Abuja.
The event took place at the Rainbow Events Centre and drew more than 3,000 delegates alongside major political stakeholders from across the country, as the party moves to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also in attendance were former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, and ADC National Chairman David Mark.
With the theme “So the Nation May Work”, discussions at the convention focused on strengthening internal cohesion, restructuring the party’s leadership system, and mapping out strategy for the 2027 polls.
The exercise is also paved the way for the election of a new National Working Committee and completion of pending state congresses.
Security was reinforced around the venue as delegates underwent accreditation and continued to arrive from different parts of the country throughout the day.
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The gathering went ahead despite earlier disputes over venue access, including reported difficulties securing Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Party officials alleged that external pressure influenced the denial of access to preferred locations, further fuelling political tension around the convention.
The event also unfolded against a backdrop of internal conflict within the ADC, with competing factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe both laying claim to the party’s leadership structure.
In response to the dispute, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withheld formal recognition of either faction pending resolution of the crisis.
The ADC was adopted as a coalition platform in July 2025, aimed at uniting opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections to challenge President Bola Tinubu.