“Corrupt Members Will Face the Law” – ADC Issues Strong Warning
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to members involved in corrupt practices, saying the party will not protect anyone found guilty of abusing public office.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said individuals linked to corruption would face investigation and possible prosecution without interference from the party.
Abdullahi made the remarks during an appearance on Fireworks on TVC News. He said the ADC was determined to distance itself from the reputation many Nigerians associate with the country’s political class.
According to him, the party is finalising an ethical code designed to ensure accountability among its members.
He noted that public trust in politicians has declined sharply over the years. The party, he said, believes it must show Nigerians that it operates differently from established political groups.
“We in the African Democratic Congress have an ethical code. The political class in general has been discredited in Nigeria,” he said.
Abdullahi explained that the ethical code would soon be unveiled. He said it forms part of the party’s broader effort to demonstrate transparency and discipline among its leaders and members.
“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 added that the guidelines would introduce strict consequences for party officials who misuse power. According to him, anyone within the party who had previously held a public office and was later found guilty of wrongdoing would not be protected.
“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.
The ADC spokesman also criticised what he described as selective anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria’s political system. He argued that investigations and prosecutions must apply equally to all politicians, regardless of party affiliation.
He cited former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami while stressing the need for fairness in the application of justice.
“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 said justice must remain impartial, noting that the symbol of the judiciary itself represents fairness and neutrality.
“That is why the symbol of the judiciary is a blind old woman,” he said.
He went further to accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of showing leniency toward politicians within its ranks while being tougher on opposition figures.
“Like a former National Assembly member famously said, when government is dealing with opposition people, they spray corruption with insecticide, but when they are dealing with people within their party, they use ‘pakura ban’ and perfumes to spray them,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC spokesman also recalled a controversial remark previously linked to the APC leadership which, according to him, suggested politicians facing allegations could escape scrutiny by joining the ruling party.
“Is it not the same APC where a chairman of the party said, ‘come into our party and all your sins will be forgiven’? And we have seen it play out,” he added.
