ADC Unveils Code of Ethics for Good Governance Ahead of 2027 Elections

ADC Unveils Code of Ethics for Good Governance Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a comprehensive governance principles and code of ethics for elected officials, party leaders and members, encapsulated in a 25-page document titled “The Orange Book.”

The document outlines the party’s governance principles, core values, political and governance principles, economic policies, the “burden of completion” principle, code of ethics, personal oath and pledge for leaders, as well as procedures for the execution of the oath.

Addressing journalists at the official unveiling of the document in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the Orange Book was the first of its kind since the return of democracy in 1999 and would be binding on all members of the party, irrespective of their status or position, from the lowest-ranking member to the President.

He explained that the document became operational and binding on the party’s three presidential aspirants before the emergence of Atiku Abubakar, with each of them signing up to its provisions.

Abdullahi said the initiative was born out of the coalition’s realisation that Nigeria’s political system had become widely discredited and that addressing the country’s challenges required a different approach to politics.

“When the coalition movement started, there was one fundamental realisation: Why are we here? Why are we in this coalition? Why are we trying to build a political party? And the answer was very clear.

“The answer was that Nigeria is the way we are today because of the kind of politics we are playing. And if we have to solve the problems that Nigeria is facing, we have to play a different kind of politics.”

According to him, the Orange Book was designed to articulate the governance and ethical principles of the party and provide a framework for holding its members accountable.

He said the party expected every elected official on its platform to be guided by the document, regardless of the office occupied.

Abdullahi also highlighted the “burden of completion” principle, which requires any government or elected official taking over from another ADC officeholder to complete projects initiated by the predecessor.

He said the principle was developed to address the problem of abandoned projects across the country.

He cited the example of schools constructed by a former governor in Osun State, which he said were abandoned after the administration left office.

“Any project that is started by ADC must be completed by ADC. If we start a project, and whoever started it leaves office, whoever is taking over from him or her has a duty to complete that project.”

He added that the principle would also apply to legislative initiatives, explaining that if an ADC senator or member of the House of Representatives leaves office before completing a legislative agenda, an ADC successor would be expected to continue with it because it represents the party’s agenda rather than an individual’s personal project.

On the code of ethics, Abdullahi said the party was determined to restore morality and integrity to Nigerian politics, arguing that political office should not be treated as a licence for dishonesty or misconduct.

He said the party recognised the challenges of systemic corruption, impunity and declining public trust, adding that the Orange Book was being presented as a binding covenant between the ADC and the Nigerian people.

“Politics devoid of ethics is just organised criminality and organised crime.”

According to him, the document goes beyond a mere declaration, as it seeks to establish a culture of ethical leadership, public accountability and prioritisation of the common good.

He stressed that elected and appointed officials on the ADC platform would be personally responsible for complying with the provisions of the code.

One of the pledges contained in the document states:

“I shall never use my position to enrich myself, my family, or my associates. I shall live within my means. My personal and family lifestyle will promote and reflect my legitimate income and must not display wealth that I cannot legitimately explain.”

The Orange Book also contains what the party described as “specific, iron-clad rules of conduct,” requiring members to accept sanctions in line with the party’s constitution if found guilty of violating the code of conduct.

The party dismissed concerns that elected officials could violate the code and escape sanctions, noting that members were bound by both the party’s constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ADC National Legal Adviser and former Governor of Edo State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, said the provisions of political parties’ constitutions had consistently been recognised by the courts.

He explained that once a member voluntarily signed an undertaking to abide by the provisions of the party’s constitution, the party was empowered to institute or activate punitive measures against a member found to have violated them.

The ADC urged all its members to regard the oath contained in the Orange Book as a solemn and personal covenant made before the party, the Nigerian people and God.

The party said the oath represents a declaration of unwavering commitment to public service, integrity and accountability, stressing that every ADC leader, whether elected or appointed into public office, would be required to swear, affirm and sign the document under oath.

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