National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said the party will not shield its members from investigation or prosecution if they are found guilty of corruption.
Speaking on TVC’s Fireworks, Abdullahi said the ADC was working to distinguish itself from Nigeria’s traditional political class by introducing an ethical code that would hold its officials accountable.
According to him, the party recognized that many Nigerians had lost confidence in politicians and believed it had a responsibility to prove that it is different.
“We in the African Democratic Congress have an ethical code. The political class in general has been discredited in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the party intends to demonstrate its commitment to accountability through the code, which will soon be made public.
“We knew that we had a duty to convince Nigerians that we are different, and one of the areas we have tried to show Nigerians that we are different is developing our ethical code, which we are going to release very soon,” Abdullahi said.
He explained that under the proposed code, party officials who previously held public office and were found to have abused their positions would not be shielded.
“One of those principles is zero tolerance. If any of our officers had occupied any position in the past and are found to have abused their position, there will be consequences,” he stated.
Abdullahi also criticized what he described as selective application of anti-corruption measures, citing former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El‑Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
The point I’m making is that if you are going to lock up Nasir El-Rufai for corruption, or if you are going to lock up Abubakar Malami for corruption, the same standard should apply to everyone,” he said.
Abdullahi argued that justice must be impartial, likening it to the symbol of the judiciary.
“That is why the symbol of the judiciary is a blind old woman,” he said, stressing that the law should treat all individuals equally regardless of political affiliation.
Daily/ Abdullah Oladipo
