The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described corruption as “economic banditry”, saying the misuse and theft of public resources constitute a serious national menace.
The party said the description was deliberately chosen to awaken Nigerians to the devastating impact of corruption and encourage support for political platforms committed to tackling the problem.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the position was contained in the party’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, popularly known as the Orange Book.
He said the document was binding on all members and elected or appointed officials serving under the ADC.
“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.
According to him, the term “banditry” was intended to draw the same level of public attention to corruption as Nigerians have been forced to give to violent criminality.
“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 explained that while conventional banditry involved violence, corruption represented its economic equivalent because of the damage it inflicted 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 said.
The party spokesman alleged that corruption had enjoyed considerable freedom under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“Corruption has brought the country to its knees, and has enjoyed great freedom under the Tinubu administration,” he alleged.
He also criticised the composition of the President’s campaign team, alleging that individuals facing corruption-related allegations had been protected or appointed by the administration.
Abdullahi said fighting corruption would be a central component of the ADC’s governance agenda if the party was elected.
“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 stressed that the fight against corruption could not be left solely to government officials because ordinary Nigerians ultimately bear its consequences through poor 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 prioritise accountability and responsible management of public resources.
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