The leadership of the COPDEM Board of Trustees has issued a formal appeal to David Mark, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling for strict adherence to party guidelines and equal access for all members in the ongoing internal processes.
In a memorandum dated March 26, 2026, the group raised concerns over the sale of nomination forms and the conduct of Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State Congresses, emphasizing the need for transparency and internal democracy.
The Board stressed that nomination forms must be sold exclusively through officially approved channels, with payments made into designated accounts and properly verified. It further underscored that all eligible party members must be granted equal access to purchase forms, warning against favoritism, undue influence, or discrimination.
On membership verification, the memorandum noted that only duly registered members listed in records submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to participate in the process, either as voters or aspirants.
The group also highlighted key standards for the conduct of congresses, insisting on free, fair, and transparent elections. It called for equal opportunities for all aspirants, neutrality of congress planning committees, and the absence of intimidation or manipulation. Proper screening procedures, it added, must be enforced to ensure that only qualified candidates contest party positions.
According to the memorandum, the credibility of the ADC hinges on the integrity of its internal processes. It warned that any deviation from democratic principles could undermine trust among party members and the wider Nigerian public.
The COPDEM Board of Trustees concluded by urging the party’s national leadership to take direct responsibility in overseeing the congresses, ensuring that they reflect the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
