The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its governance principles and code of ethics, code named “The Orange Book” for members and its public officers.

The book was unveiled during a media briefing at the party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi.

Unveiling the document, Abdullahi said the “Orange Book” articulated the foundational and ethical principles of the ADC as a reformist and progressive political party.

He said the party remained committed to re-engineering Nigerian politics for the sole purpose of providing dedicated service to the country and its people.

According to him, the handbook outlines the party’s political, economic and social principles, which are expected to guide members and public officers.

“All members of the African Democratic Congress are expected to familiarise themselves with the content of this handbook, which shall serve as governance principles.

“It shall also serve as the code of ethics for every member and public officer elected or appointed on the platform of the party.”

Speaking on the rationale behind the book, Abdullahi said the adoption of the “Orange Book” was a call to duty and a direct response to decades of corruption and institutional failure.

He said the document was also designed to address the betrayal of public trust, while reaffirming the ADC’s commitment to honour, order and accountability.

“With this document, the ADC seeks to make a clean break with the past and affirm its commitment to restore honour, order and accountability.

“This is our line in the sand. Every ADC leader is expected to take a new path grounded in service, humility, sacrifice and moral leadership,” he said.

He emphasised that the ADC believed that leadership was a trust and not merely a title, adding that the party welcomed scrutiny, questions and constructive criticism.

The ADC publicity secretary explained that the code contained sections on its relevance, introduction, core values, as well as governance, political and economic development principles.

He said other sections included the burden of completion principle, code of ethics, leader’s personal oath and pledge, and execution of oath.

Also speaking, the National Legal Adviser of ADC, Sen.Oserhiemen Osunbor, said the party’s “Orange Book” supplemented the party’s constitution by providing detailed ethical and conduct guidelines for members.

Osunbor said the ADC constitution could not contain every expectation from members, noting that the “Orange Book” served as an addendum to the constitution, particularly on ethics and conduct.

He said the party expected all members and officials to commit themselves to compliance with the code of ethics and conduct contained in the “Orange Book”.

He expressed concern over the declining values of ethics, morality and good conduct in Nigeria, particularly among the ruling class, saying that politics should not be treated as war.

He added that the ADC was committed to setting a new standard of ethics and conduct in public service, urging members to read, respect and apply the “Orange Book” as a guide to their actions. (NAN)

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