Idah, Kogi State — Hon. Tom Zakari has been elected as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Chairman zoned to Kogi East after securing 36 votes in Saturday’s zonal election held in Idah.
Zakari defeated Capt. Joe Agada, who polled 25 votes. Udale John received 13 votes, while Hon. Faruk scored 7, bringing the total number of votes cast to 81.
All registered delegates from Kogi East participated in the exercise, which observers described as one of the most transparent intra‑party elections in the state’s history. The zonal election was conducted as part of arrangements ahead of the ADC state congress;
OBSERVERS TIMES earlier reported that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has approved a comprehensive timetable for its nationwide congresses, scheduled to commence with polling unit and ward congresses on April 7.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the schedule while briefing journalists following the NEC meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the approved timeline, local government congresses will hold on April 9, followed by state congresses on April 11. The exercise will culminate in a National Convention slated for April 14 in Abuja.
Abdullahi described the NEC session as “short, simple, and productive,” noting that the meeting enjoyed full attendance from all required members. He further disclosed that the NEC endorsed key reports from the Policy and Manifesto Committee and the Constitutional Review Committee.
“These documents will define the party’s policy direction and constitutional framework for its future political and governance agenda,” Abdullahi stated, adding that the reports would be formally presented at the April 14 convention.
Clarifying the nature of the upcoming gathering, the party spokesman emphasized that it would not be an elective convention. Instead, the assembly is aimed at ratifying decisions made by the NEC and the National Working Committee (NWC) since the last convention cycle. He noted that the actual election of party officers would occur during the congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels.
Abdullahi assured aspirants that guidelines for the congresses have been released and nomination forms distributed nationwide to ensure an inclusive and transparent process. He also noted that representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) attended the NEC meeting to provide oversight.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the ADC, Sen. David Mark, urged members to prioritize unity and internal cohesion. In his opening remarks, Mark described the current period as a moment of responsibility, calling on party faithful to rise above personal interests for the sake of national renewal.
“Our task is clear: to reposition the ADC as a formidable platform for national renewal and inclusive governance,” Mark said.
He further advocated for deeper grassroots engagement, stressing that the party must connect with Nigerians across all regions, religions, and generations to broaden its appeal ahead of future elections.
Mark also commended state chairmen for their loyalty and for choosing the path of dialogue in addressing internal and national challenges.
