TDThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) Benue State chapter has issued a strongly worded communique following its 31st State Working Committee (SWC) meeting, denouncing attempts to impose parallel party structures in the state.
The SWC categorically disowned the purported Membership Registration, Mobilization and Revalidation (MRMR) Committee and the Transitional Leadership Teams allegedly introduced from the zonal level down to the grassroots.
These structures were described as illegal, unconstitutional, and a grave breach of the party’s established administration and internal democratic order.
Key Highlights of the Communique
- Unconstitutional Committees:
The SWC emphasized that the ADC Constitution does not recognize MRMR committees or “Leadership Teams.”
Membership registration and mobilization remain statutory functions of the Ward Executive Committees (WECs), coordinated through Local Government Executives, the SWC, and the State Executive Committee (SEC).
- Membership Admission Process:
Article 8 of the ADC Constitution stipulates that membership is ward‑based.
The SWC revealed that many individuals listed in the MRMR committees have not fulfilled constitutional requirements, including proof of exclusive ADC membership.
It questioned how non‑members could legitimately admit or revalidate members.
- Suspension of Parallel Structures:
The SWC announced the immediate suspension and dissolution of all MRMR committees and “Leadership Teams” across Benue State.
It directed that membership registration and mobilization be conducted only through constitutional organs in line with Articles 8, 12, 13, and 14 of the ADC Constitution.
- Membership Cards and Registers:
Reports of membership cards being transferred to MRMR committees were condemned as unconstitutional.
The SWC ordered that cards and registers be administered solely through recognized party organs, warning that any deviation undermines the authority of the SEC, SWC, and ward structures.
- Directive to Members:
Party members across Benue’s 23 LGAs were urged to ignore directives from unauthorized committees, reject membership registration outside constitutional channels, and report illegal activities to the SWC or SEC.
The communique warned that anyone dealing with unconstitutional structures does so at their own risk.
Commitment to Party Leadership
This communique reflects growing tensions within the ADC over party administration and internal democracy.
By rejecting imposed structures, the Benue State chapter has positioned itself as a defender of constitutional order.
It insisted that the party must operate strictly within its established framework.
Analysts note that such disputes highlight the challenges of maintaining cohesion in Nigeria’s multi‑party system, where internal wrangling often undermines grassroots mobilization and voter confidence.
The SWC reaffirmed loyalty to ADC National Chairman Sen. David Mark and the recognized state leadership under Hon. Celestine Orbunde.
It pledged continued dedication to unity, peace, transparency, and the protection of internal democratic processes.
The communique was signed by zonal chairmen, the state secretary, organizing secretary, publicity secretary, youth leader, and treasurer of ADC Benue State, signaling a united front against what they termed unconstitutional interference.
This development underscores the determination of the ADC Benue State chapter to safeguard its constitutional integrity.
It calls for urgent intervention from the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) to resolve the crisis.
