The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has confirmed the amendment of the party’s constitution.
According to report by PUNCH, Nwosu said the step was taken to ensure that everyone’s interest was accommodated amid the coalition plan.
“Yes, we amended the constitution. We are interested in being a vehicle for the transformation of this country, and because of that, we are completely willing to take any steps necessary to ensure that everybody’s interest is accommodated,” Nwosu said.
Nwosu disclosed that “critical areas” of the constitution were amended by the National Executive Council of the party, specifically for the coalition.
The last amendment was made on May 15 at the NEC meeting.
Speaking further, Nwosu said, “When it comes to politics, different individuals show up. So, we want to be sure that everybody is accommodated. The fact that we founded the party doesn’t mean that we own it. The principle of politics is public trust.
“Some of the areas we amended have to do with rights and privileges. Before, if you joined the ADC, you had to be a member of the party for two years before you could be voted for or hold a party office. But we have opened ourselves up for a coalition and to admit new members now. Previously, our constitution stated that you had to wait for two years if you were interested in contesting the presidency after joining the ADC. But we have amended that. Now, the power we have as members of over 20 years is the same power that everybody has to contest elections.”
He added that the ADC held about five different NEC meetings to amend the critical areas of the constitution to ‘help the coalition.’
Speaking on how to manage different interests in the party, Nwosu said, “It is the culture of every ADC person to be compliant. Our culture and tradition is a handshake, which means love and inclusion. What we want is to rescue this country.”
There are reports that the coalition leaders might have settled for the ADC following speculations that President Bola Tinubu has huge influence within the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which was initially considered to be their platform of choice.
