ADC inauguration of 50 Member Policy and Manifesto Committee presided over National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator David Mark (middle) flanked by other Exco members.
.As Mark reiterates compassionate approach to governance
IGNATIUS OKOROCHA, Abuja
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David A. B. Mark on Monday said Nigerians were desperate for compassionate governance and practical policies, not clever arguments detached from their daily struggles.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee in Abuja, Senator Mark said rising poverty, insecurity, high food and energy costs, and worsening living conditions had pushed Nigerians to the brink, stressing that government must respond with empathy and action.
According to him, while hardship and poverty have always existed, the situation under the APC-led administration had become more severe due to policies that failed to reflect the realities of ordinary citizens. He noted that Nigerians were not interested in rhetoric or statistics but in policies that clearly reduce suffering and restore dignity.
Senator Mark said Nigeria does not suffer from a shortage of ideas but from the inability to translate policy into real-life benefits. He urged the committee to focus on people-centred solutions in critical sectors such as energy, transportation, food and agriculture, healthcare, education, security, and job creation.
He emphasised that economic growth figures meant little when families could no longer afford food, transportation, healthcare, or electricity, adding that true progress must be measured by its impact on people’s lives.
The ADC chairman charged the committee to listen beyond experts and engage farmers, traders, workers, parents, and young people, insisting that every policy proposal must answer one key question: does it reduce suffering or merely rearrange it?
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, pledged the group’s full commitment to delivering policies that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
He said the ADC was determined to offer a clear departure from what he described as the failed governance of the APC and expressed confidence that the party would take over power in 2027.
The committee is expected to work through specialised sub-groups and engage professionals to produce a practical manifesto anchored on compassion, accountability, and service to the people.
The membership of the 50-Member Policy and Manifesto Committee are follows:
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
