Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, has been appointed to lead a 50-member committee tasked with drafting the manifesto of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The committee was inaugurated by the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, who charged its members to design policies and a manifesto capable of confronting widespread poverty, which he described as unprecedented under the current APC-led administration.
Mark also took aim at the APC government’s handling of the economy, national security, and the health sector, arguing that existing policies had failed to deliver meaningful relief to Nigerians.
He urged the committee to formulate people-focused policies that would resonate with citizens and make the ADC an attractive alternative ahead of future elections.
The oath of office for the committee members was administered by the party’s legal adviser.
In his remarks, Odigie-Oyegun criticised the ruling APC, stating that many Nigerians had lost confidence in the government and were closely watching to see what alternative vision the ADC would offer.
Odigie-Oyegun, who chairs the committee, previously served as governor of Edo State.
He became the national chairman of the APC in 2014, following the historic merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
The former Edo governor later exited the APC.
The ADC was officially adopted as the political platform of an opposition coalition on July 2, 2025, with the stated objective of contesting the 2027 presidential and other general elections.
The coalition said it was determined to rescue Nigeria from collapse and restore democratic values, accusing the APC-led Federal Government of taking control of democratic institutions and pushing the country into a “creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship” over the past two years.
In September 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally recognised the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark, a former President of the Senate.
INEC’s confirmation, published on its official website, also listed former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s National Secretary.
Other key national officers recognised by the electoral body include former Edo State governor, Oserheimen Osunbor, as National Legal Adviser; Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer; and Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary.
What you should know
The ADC is positioning itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, bringing together prominent political figures who previously held top positions in the APC and other parties.
By appointing Odigie-Oyegun to head its manifesto committee, the party signals an intention to challenge the ruling party on policy grounds, particularly on poverty, governance, and democratic integrity.
INEC’s recognition of the ADC leadership further strengthens the party’s legal standing as it prepares for nationwide electoral contests.
