Abuja, Nigeria — The Coalition for Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has advised the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to refrain from disrupting existing state executive structures, warning that any action taken outside the party’s constitutional framework risks undermining internal democracy, party stability, and public confidence.
COPDEM, a civil society organisation committed to the promotion of democratic governance and rule-based political processes, has been monitoring developments within the ADC and notes growing concerns regarding the possible removal or replacement of elected state party executives without due process.
According to COPDEM, the ADC Constitution clearly establishes State Chairmen and other state officers as elected officials whose mandate derives from duly convened State Congresses, which remain the highest decision-making bodies of the party at the state level. The Constitution further provides that such officers are entitled to serve for their prescribed tenure unless the office becomes vacant through expiration of tenure, resignation, death, or lawful removal following constitutionally recognised disciplinary procedures.
“Political parties are bound by their constitutions,” COPDEM stated. “No individual or organ of a party should exercise powers beyond what is expressly provided for, particularly where such actions affect the mandate conferred by party members through congresses.”
The organisation emphasised that while national party organs may exercise supervisory and coordinating functions, such authority does not extend to arbitrary dissolution or substitution of elected state executives. Any departure from constitutional procedures, COPDEM warned, could deepen internal divisions, weaken grassroots structures, and expose the party to avoidable legal disputes.
COPDEM further noted that Nigerian courts have consistently held political parties accountable to their own constitutions in matters of internal governance and leadership, and that actions taken in violation of those constitutions are frequently set aside.
“At a time when Nigerians are increasingly demanding transparency and internal democracy from political parties, it is imperative that parties lead by example,” the statement added. “Stability, dialogue, and respect for due process remain essential to building credible political institutions.”
COPDEM therefore calls on the ADC national leadership to maintain the status quo regarding existing state executive structures, except where changes are effected strictly in accordance with the party’s constitution. The organisation also encourages the use of internal dispute resolution mechanisms and lawful congresses where leadership issues genuinely arise.
The Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring political party practices and advocating for constitutionalism, internal democracy, and the rule of law across Nigeria’s democratic space.
Signed: Prof. Danjuma Sale
For Coalition for Protection of Democracy (COPDEM)
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