By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has described corruption as ‘economic banditry’, saying the stealing or misuse of public funds is a national menace that must be confronted head-on.
The party said the description was deliberate, intended to make Nigerians recognise the devastating cost of corruption and rally behind political platforms genuinely committed to stamping it out.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the position is contained in the party’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, known as the Orange Book, which is binding on its members and elected or appointed officials serving under its platform.
“Designating corruption as banditry is to awaken the consciousness of Nigerians on the seriousness of the economic crime which has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation,” Abdullahi said.
He said the choice of ‘banditry’ was meant to draw attention to corruption in much the same way Nigerians have been forced to confront violent banditry and its consequences.
“The word banditry in Nigeria today comes with rapt attention because of the damage it has done to human lives, the environment and the economy,” he said.
Abdullahi said corruption should be viewed as the economic equivalent of violent banditry because of the damage it inflicts on the country.
“But in the ADC term, while banditry is a violent act, corruption is the economic form of banditry and we must let the public know that,” he explained.
Turning to the Tinubu administration, the ADC spokesman alleged that corruption had enjoyed considerable freedom under the government.
“Corruption has brought the country to its knees, and has enjoyed great freedom under the Tinubu administration,” he said.
He further alleged that the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign team was evidence that the administration was ‘corruption-friendly’, accusing it of protecting and appointing individuals facing various corruption cases.
Abdullahi said the ADC would make the fight against corruption a central pillar of its governance agenda if elected, urging Nigerians to support the party in its bid to unseat the Tinubu administration.
“We must not let down our guard and that is why we designate corruption as banditry. Nigerians should know how serious the menace is and join hands with the ADC to kick out this Tinubu’s administration, which has been paying lip service to fighting corruption,” he said.
He added that the anti-corruption fight could not be left to government officials alone, as ordinary Nigerians ultimately bear the cost through failing public services, unemployment, insecurity and deteriorating infrastructure.
“The fight against corruption cannot be left to government officials alone because the consequences of corruption are borne by ordinary Nigerians through poor public services, unemployment, insecurity and the deterioration of infrastructure,” Abdullahi said.
He urged Nigerians to support political platforms that place accountability and responsible management of public resources at the heart of governance.
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