Hayatu-Deen challenges Atiku, Amaechi to publicly endorse ADC’s ethics code

In Nigeria's vibrant political landscape, presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a bold step, challenging his fellow contenders, including prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, to publicly embrace the party's newly unveiled "Orange Book." This governance principles and code of ethics is being hailed by Hayatu-Deen as a groundbreaking initiative in Nigerian politics, aiming to set a new standard for leadership and public service.

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The Orange Book is not a slogan. It is a declaration that public office is not for self-enrichment, personal glory or political entitlement, but for service to the Nigerian people.

Hayatu-Deen, an economist and former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, views The Orange Book not merely as a slogan but as a profound declaration that public office is a sacred trust for service, not personal gain. The code's emphasis on integrity, transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the public interest above personal ambition resonates deeply with those seeking to reform Nigeria's political culture. Provisions like "Leadership is measured not by individual legacy, but by the enduring impact of completed, purposeful and people-centred action" and "I am a public servant, not a ruler of Nigerians" highlight the aspirational nature of this ethical framework.

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Leadership is measured not by individual legacy, but by the enduring impact of completed, purposeful and people-centred action.

The ADC is positioning itself as a reform-driven alternative to Nigeria's established political parties, and Hayatu-Deen's challenge underscores this ambition. By demanding public commitment to these ethical standards, he is not only holding his rivals accountable but also appealing directly to Nigerians' desire for transparent and principled leadership. This move is particularly significant in a political environment often criticized for corruption and self-enrichment, offering a glimpse of a potentially more ethical future for governance in the country.

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I am a public servant, not a ruler of Nigerians.