ADC Announces 50-Member ‘Wise Men and Women’ Policy and Manifesto Committee Appoints Oyegun Utomi Sam Amadi Among Others

Spread the love

In a move aimed at strengthening its policy direction ahead of future elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the formation of a large advisory body tasked with designing the party’s policy agenda and national manifesto.

The initiative, approved by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), was formally endorsed by ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, who described the effort as part of the party’s strategy to present a comprehensive governance vision for Nigeria.

Party officials explained that the newly created body—referred to as the “Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee”—will help shape the party’s ideological framework and policy proposals for national development.

Leadership Structure of the Committee

To guide the committee’s work, the ADC appointed a leadership team consisting of prominent figures in politics and public policy.

The top structure of the committee includes:

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun – Chairman
Prof. Pat Utomi – Deputy Chairman
Salihu Lukman – Secretary

According to party leaders, these individuals were selected due to their extensive experience in governance, policy formulation, and public administration.

Diverse Membership Drawn From Across Sectors

Beyond its leadership, the committee features 50 distinguished Nigerians drawn from various professional backgrounds. Members include academics, former government officials, policy analysts, civil society leaders, and experts in economic and social development.

The ADC explained that the diverse composition of the committee is intentional, as the party aims to combine multiple perspectives when crafting its policy agenda.

Participants collectively bring expertise in several key areas, including:

Governance and democratic reform
Economic planning and fiscal policy
Social welfare and public health
Security strategy and national stability
Civil society engagement and institutional development

Party officials say the committee’s multidisciplinary composition is meant to ensure that the manifesto reflects a broad national consensus.

Date Set for Formal Inauguration

The committee is expected to begin its work soon after a formal inauguration ceremony scheduled for February 2, 2026.

The event will take place at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja, with party stakeholders, political leaders, and invited guests expected to attend.

The party hopes the launch will mark the beginning of an extensive process aimed at developing policy proposals that address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

Party Statement on the Committee’s Mission

In an official statement issued by ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party emphasized that Nigeria’s complex challenges require thoughtful policy solutions rooted in competence and integrity.

The statement stressed that the committee’s primary task is to develop a credible and coherent manifesto that resonates with the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

According to Abdullahi, the party believes that bringing together experienced professionals and thought leaders will help generate innovative ideas capable of guiding national transformation.

Selected Members of the Policy Committee

Alongside the leadership team, the committee includes a wide array of respected individuals from different sectors of society.

Some of the notable members include:

Prof. Sam Amadi
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu
AVM Sadique Abubakar
Dr Otive Igbuzor
Oseloka Obaze
Prof. Anthony Kila
Prof. Remi Sonaiya
Miss Yemi Adamolekun
Dr Usman Bugaje
Prof. Kolapo Eleka

Other members span academia, public service, and civic advocacy, reflecting the party’s attempt to assemble a broad coalition of policy thinkers.

Broader Significance for ADC

The formation of the committee signals ADC’s intention to position itself as a serious contender in Nigeria’s political landscape. By prioritizing policy development, the party hopes to present itself as an alternative platform capable of delivering structured governance solutions.

Political observers note that Nigerian parties often face criticism for lacking detailed policy frameworks, relying instead on campaign slogans. The ADC appears to be attempting to address this gap by building a policy-driven platform supported by experts.

Commentary and Analysis

The decision to assemble a 50-member policy committee may be interpreted as part of a broader effort to enhance the intellectual foundation of the party’s political agenda. By incorporating academics, technocrats, and civil society figures, the ADC is trying to demonstrate that its policy proposals will be grounded in research and professional expertise.

However, the true impact of the committee will depend on how effectively its recommendations translate into actionable political strategies and public policies.

If the group succeeds in producing a detailed and credible manifesto, it could strengthen the party’s appeal among voters seeking fresh leadership and well-defined policy alternatives.

At the same time, the large size of the committee presents its own challenges. Coordinating ideas from dozens of prominent individuals may require strong leadership to ensure the final document remains coherent and practical.

Regardless, the initiative marks a notable step in the ADC’s attempt to shape a more structured political identity as Nigeria moves toward future electoral cycles.