By Chinenye Onwusonye

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the constitution of a 50-member Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee, following the approval of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), in a move aimed at strengthening its policy direction and governance agenda.

The announcement was made in a press statement signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ahead of the formal inauguration scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

According to the statement, the committee was approved by the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David A. B. Mark, GCON, in line with the party’s commitment to building a credible, people-centred and forward-looking policy framework for national governance.

The committee is chaired by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, with Professor Pat Utomi serving as Deputy Chairman, while Salihu Lukman will act as Secretary. It comprises former public office holders, academics, technocrats, civil society leaders and professionals drawn from across the country.

The party said the members collectively bring vast experience in governance, economic management, social development, security and democratic reform, and have been tasked with articulating a clear, coherent and credible policy direction that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians and positions the ADC as a serious alternative platform for responsible leadership and national renewal.

Reaffirming its belief that Nigeria’s challenges require ideas rooted in competence, integrity and national consensus, the ADC expressed confidence that the committee would deliver a manifesto that addresses the real needs of Nigerians.

Members of the Policy and Manifesto Committee include Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (Chairman); Prof. Pat Utomi (Deputy Chairman); Salihu Lukman (Secretary); Senators Gershon Bassey and J.J. Akpan Udo-Udeghe; Ambassador Abiye Mohammed; former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba; Professors Ibrahim Garba, Jude Njoku, Anthony Kila, Chidi Odinkalu, Murtala Sagagi, Kolapo Eleka, Remi Sonaiya, Sam Amadi, Doknan Disent Sheni and Saheed Malik; as well as Bala Usman, Bulus Bello Zaki Piko, Ose Anenih, Drs Nicholas Msheliza, David Olofu, Okey Ezegwu, Mohammed Jibrin Yusufari, Otive Igbuzor, Usman Bugaje, Kerian Wobodo, Fatima Zara Saleh, Babayo Ardo, Ndubuisi Nwobu, Sunday Taiwako Anyabuga, John Markus Ayuba and Chike Okogwu.

Others are Joel Adi Gani, Yemi Adamolekun, Nkovo Toyo, Oseloka Obaze, Engineer Bello Suleiman, AVM Sadique Abubakar (rtd), Madam Jumoke Olawuyi, Pastor Funke Awowolo, Hon. Aminu Muhammad Gumel, Ngozi Ndukwe, Ms Helen Yashin, Barrister Makber Oson Jacob, Moji Ajayi (Mrs), Barrister (Mrs) Salametu A. Izuagie, Chief (Mrs) Uwaoma Olevengwa, Alhaja Hafsat Moji Bello and Hon. Sani Yakubu Noma.

The party invited all concerned members and stakeholders to take note of the development.