2027: ADC pledges to scrap security votes if elected

Nigeria's African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a comprehensive governance overhaul plan, promising to abolish opaque "security votes" and impose tighter controls on public funds if it forms the government in 2027. The party aims to cut waste, strengthen public accountability, and redirect resources to improve the welfare and economic prospects of Nigerians.

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The measures formed part of a broader governance overhaul designed to cut waste, strengthen public accountability and redirect government resources towards improving the welfare and economic prospects of Nigerians.

The proposals are detailed in the ADC’s 25-page governance principles and code of ethics, titled ‘The Orange Book,’ launched in Abuja. A key measure is the abolition of single-line budgeting for "security votes" and other security-related expenditures, which the party argues are not subject to effective legislative scrutiny. Under the ADC's plan, all security spending would require formal legislative oversight, approval, and audit, aiming to prevent the diversion or misuse of public funds.

The party also intends to significantly reduce the costs associated with official travel for public officers. This includes limiting domestic and international trips to essential, mission-driven, and cost-effective engagements, and prohibiting bloated delegations or the inclusion of family members. Furthermore, the ADC proposes stricter controls on government assets, ensuring that official vehicles, residences, and other properties are used exclusively for official purposes.

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all security spending would require formal legislative oversight, approval and audit in accordance with existing laws.

Beyond expenditure controls, the ADC advocates for a tougher stance on corruption, declaring that "all forms of looting of public resources would be treated as a form of banditry." This declaration comes amid growing concerns in Nigeria about the cost of governance, public sector waste, and the management of scarce resources. The ADC's agenda emphasizes fiscal discipline and institutional accountability as crucial for overcoming economic difficulties and restoring public confidence.

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all forms of looting of public resources would be treated as a form of banditry.