An African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has called on fellow contenders, including Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, to publicly commit to the party’s governance principles and ethical code known as the “Orange Book.”
Hayatu-Deen made the call in posts shared on his social media accounts on Friday, describing the document as a landmark ethical framework in modern Nigerian politics.
He said a key aspect of the recent screening exercise was the distribution of the Orange Book to all aspirants, who were required to study and formally affirm adherence to its principles before progressing in the process.
According to him, the document serves as a binding covenant that rejects self-serving politics while placing public service at the centre of leadership and governance.
“The Orange Book is not a slogan. It declares that public office is not for self-enrichment, personal glory or political entitlement, but service,” he said.
He added that aspirants are expected to embrace integrity, accountability, transparency, merit and discipline, while rejecting corruption, vote-buying and godfatherism in all forms.
Hayatu-Deen noted that two provisions of the document stood out to him, including the idea that leadership should be measured by lasting, people-centred impact and that public office holders are primarily public servants.
“These are not ordinary political declarations. They are standards every leader, irrespective of political affiliation, should willingly uphold in the interest of Nigerians,” he added.
The economist-turned-politician reaffirmed his commitment to the code of ethics and urged other aspirants to publicly declare their willingness to abide by its provisions without hesitation.
He argued that Nigeria’s challenges go beyond insecurity and economic hardship, stressing that issues of leadership, accountability and public trust are also central to the country’s crisis.
“Nigeria needs a new political culture rooted in service, competence, responsibility and moral courage. We must begin by changing that culture now,” he stated.
