The bid by the Action Congress to transform into a bigger party which can better challenge the dominance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is currently underway. Yesterday, at its national convention, the party integrated the Democratic Peoples' Party (DPP) and factions from other parties into its fold to become the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The convention which held in Lagos also led to the amendment of the party's constitution and manifestos, which led to the adoption of a new flag, slogan, motto, and symbol for the newly emerged ACN. Other amendments made were the changes in disciplinary measures and the number and composition of state congress delegates from each ward. Bisi Akande, the party's National Chairperson, said the integration with other parties and factions will create a stronger force and make "it easier for leaders with similar political views to fuse into one party before the next general elections." Usman Bugaje, the party's National Secretary, said the transformation of the party is to create a platform "that can challenge the PDP in the 2011 general elections. ...It's necessary given the effort of the ruling party to stifle democracy, destroy its institution and institute a one-party state in the country." Taking a swipe at PDP The AC leaders also took a swipe at the PDP for its ‘zoning system', which has been a major subject of controversy in the country, going into the next general elections. Mr. Bugaje blamed the ruling party for the poor state of infrastructure and social amenities in the country, while describing AC as "the only opposition party with the strength to defeat the crumbling PDP." According to Mr. Bugaje, the ruling party has failed "to deliver on its promises to provide basic electricity, security, employment, education, health care et cetera" in its 11 years in power. He, however, called on ACN party members to be morally upright and forsake "self aggrandizement" in their dealings from the moment forward, noting that any feasible transformation in the country's political system will start from the political parties. "We cannot fix our politics until we fix our parties. As we modify our name, we should also modify our ways; politics is about service to our communities, it's about development. Politics is about service and delivery," he said, adding that the party will be ready for its primaries by October. The motions moved for the constitutional amendment required a two-third vote from the party's delegates. All the motions, except one, were met by unanimous acceptance from the delegates; the proposed change for the number and composition of state congress delegates to henceforth have two people from each ward, which will include both sexes did not get the support of all the delegates. After deliberations and counter-motions, it was agreed that each ward should produce three delegates for the state congress, to include a male, a female, and a youth who should not be older than 35 years. With the amendments, the party's motto has changed from Justice, Peace, and Progress to Justice, Peace and Prosperity, while its slogan is now ‘Democracy for Justice', in the place of ‘Democracy Forever'. The party's new flag is still a hand holding a broom, but its colours have changed to green, white, blue, and black, with the party's new name, ACN embossed on it. Also present at the convention were the Lagos and Edo State Governors, Babatunde Fashola, and Adams Oshiomole, respectively; former Anambra, Oyo, and Ondo State governors, Chris Ngige, Lamidi Adesina, and Bamidele Olomilua, former PDP chairperson, Audu Ogbe, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and local government chairpersons, and others.