The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently inaugurated its 50-member Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee in Abuja with a call for practical, people-centred ideas to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, including poverty, hunger, and hardship.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s national secretariat, was presided over by the National Chairman, His Excellency Senator David A. B. Mark, GCON, who charged the committee to produce implementable policy solutions that reflect the realities of Nigerian citizens’ lives.
Purpose and Mandate
Senator Mark said the committee’s work is not an ordinary party exercise, but a responsibility arising from ADC’s mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative political platform capable of tackling deepening economic and social problems. He urged members to develop policies with clarity, firm commitment and measurable outcomes that Nigerians can see and feel.
Mark emphasised that policy development must go beyond intellectual argument; it must directly improve citizens’ lives by addressing problems such as rising food prices, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and the general cost of living.
Committee Composition and
Leadership
The committee — described by ADC as bringing together “distinguished Nigerians drawn from diverse backgrounds” — is chaired by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. Professor Pat Utomi, the respected economist and public intellectual, serves as Deputy Chairman, while Salihu Lukman is Secretary.
Other notable members include:
Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Sadique Abubakar, former Bauchi State APC governorship candidate
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, human rights expert
Dr. Usman Bugaje, policy scholar
Prof. Anthony Kila
Pastor Funke Awowolo
Madam Jumoke Olawuyi
Prof. Sam Amadi
Vision and Expectations
Senator Mark stated that Nigerians deserve policies that deliver visible impact, not mere slogans or theoretical proposals. He pointed out that transportation, infrastructure, and economic inclusion must be considered integral to policy frameworks that promote productivity and improve living standards.
Inaugurating the committee, ADC leadership also restated the party’s broader plan to mobilise and revalidate members nationwide, build stronger organisational structures, and prepare for forthcoming elections — part of a 90-day membership drive and political mobilisation strategy already underway.
While the announcement was widely reported across national media, the committee’s formation has not been without controversy. Some civil society figures such as Yemi Adamolekun and Dr. Otive Igbuzor publicly rejected their inclusion on the committee, stating they were neither consulted nor consented to serve, and reaffirming loyalty to other political affiliations.
Despite these dissenting reactions, the ADC leadership maintained that the committee’s composition was designed to harness experience from across Nigeria’s intellectual and professional classes.
Outlook Ahead of 2027 Elections
The ADC’s initiative comes amid heightened political activity across Nigeria as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections. By prioritising policy formulation and manifesto clarity, the party aims to distinguish itself from competitors and present a coherent governance alternative to Nigerians disillusioned with current political and economic conditions.
The party’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to transparent internal processes and broad stakeholder engagement as it undertakes this policy development exercise.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
