By Emmanuel Thomas l Thursday, January 29.26
ABUJA, Nigeria — Seeking to break the long-standing duopoly of Nigeria’s political landscape, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) announced on Thursday the formation of a high-powered, 50-member committee of “Wise Men and Women” tasked with drafting a new blueprint for the country’s governance.
The move comes at a precarious moment for Africa’s most populous nation, which continues to grapple with double-digit inflation, a fluctuating currency, and persistent security challenges.
By assembling a “who’s who” of former public officials, academics, and civil society firebrands, the ADC is signaling its intent to move beyond ethnic-based politics toward a platform centered on technocratic competence.
A Rare Gathering of Political Heavyweights
The committee is led by a trio of influential figures who have often found themselves at the center of Nigeria’s democratic transitions. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the former national chairman of the ruling APC, will serve as chairman.
He is joined by Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist and perennial advocate for reform, as deputy chairman, and Salihu Lukman, a vocal critic of internal party undemocracy, as secretary.
The roster reads like a cross-section of the Nigerian elite, including:
Legal Activists: Professor Chidi Odinkalu and Sam Amadi.
Civil Society Leaders: Yemi Adamolekun of Enough is Enough (EiE).
Former Officials: Ex-governors, senators, and military brass like AVM Sadique Abubakar.
Building a “Credible Alternative”
For decades, Nigerian elections have been dominated by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, voter apathy and economic frustration have created a vacuum that the ADC hopes to fill.
The party’s National Chairman, Senator David A. B. Mark, described the committee’s mission as building a “forward-looking policy framework” rooted in national consensus rather than political patronage.
”Nigeria’s challenges require ideas rooted in competence and integrity,” said Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, in a statement. “The goal is to provide a serious alternative platform for responsible leadership.”
The Road to 2027
The timing of the announcement—coming well ahead of the 2027 general elections—suggests the ADC is attempting to avoid the “last-minute” coalition-building that has plagued third-party movements in the past.
By bringing together disparate voices like former presidential candidate Prof. Remi Sonaiya and policy expert Dr. Usman Bugaje, the party is betting that a detailed, pre-planned manifesto can win over an increasingly skeptical electorate.
The committee is scheduled to be formally inaugurated on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Abuja, where they will begin the arduous task of translating academic theory into a workable political platform.
Whether this “Council of Sages” can bridge Nigeria’s deep regional divides remains to be seen, but their assembly marks one of the most organized attempts yet to challenge the status quo.
COMPOSITION OF ADC 50 WISE MEN & WOMEN OF THE ADC POLICY/MANIFESTO COMMITTEE
John Odigie Oyegun – Chairman
Prof. Pat Utomi – Deputy Chairman
Salihu Lukman – Secretary
Sen. Gershon Bassey – Member
Sen. J.J. Akpan Udo-Udeghe – Member
Amb Abiye Mohammed – Member
H.E. Simon Achuba – Member
Prof. Ibrahim Garba – Member
Bala Usman – Member
Bulus Bello Zaki Piko – Member
Ose Anenih – Member
Dr Nicholas Msheliza – Member
Dr David Olofu – Member
Dr Okey Ezegwu – Member
Dr Mohammed Jibrin Yusufari – Member
Joel Adi Gani – Member
Prof. Jude Njoku – Member
Miss Yemi Adamolekun – Member
Prof. Anthony Kila – Member
Nkovo Toyo – Member
Dr Usman Bugaje – Member
Oseloka Obaze – Member
Dr Otive Igbuzor – Member
Engr. Bello Suleiman – Member
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu – Member
AVM Sadique Abubakar – Member
Madam Jumoke Olawuyi – Member
Prof. Murtala Sagagi – Member
Dr Kerian Wobodo – Member
Dr Fatima Zara Saleh – Member
Prof. Kolapo Eleka – Member
Barr Makber Oson Jacob – Member
Prof. Remi Sonaiya – Member
Moji Ajayi (Mrs) – Member
Prof. Sam Amadi – Member
Dr Babayo Ardo – Member
Pastor Funke Awowolo – Member
Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu – Member
Hon. Aminu Muhammad Gumel – Member
Ngozi Ndukwe – Member
Prof. Doknan Disent Sheni – Member
Prof. Saheed Malik – Member
Dr Sunday Taiwako Anyabuga – Member
Ms Helen Yashin – Member
Dr John Markus Ayuba – Member
Dr Chike Okogwu – Member
Barr. (Mrs) Salametu A. Izuagie – Member
Chief (Mrs) Uwaoma Olevengwa – Member
Alhaja Hafsat Moji Bello – Member
Hon. Sani Yakubu Noma – Member
