Hayatu-Deen Challenges Atiku, Amaechi on Ethics Code

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), issued a challenge on Friday to fellow candidates Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, urging them to publicly commit to the ADC's newly unveiled governance principles code of ethics, referred to as the "Orange Book." Hayatu-Deen described the screening process as a significant political exercise in Nigeria's democratic history. He stated that every presidential and governorship aspirant must affirm the principles outlined in the Orange Book to participate in the process.

The document aims to redefine leadership and public service in Nigeria, establishing a binding ethical framework that emphasizes integrity, transparency, accountability, merit, and the rejection of corruption. Hayatu-Deen highlighted two specific provisions in the code regarding leadership measures and the impact of public servants, asserting that Nigeria requires a different political culture rooted in service and moral courage.

He called on all aspirants seeking the ADC presidential ticket to publicly declare their commitment to uphold these standards.