ADC promises to end security votes if it wins in 2027

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has promised to make big changes in how public money is spent. They want to get rid of unclear "security votes," tighten rules on official travel, and stop government assets from being used for personal use if they win the 2027 elections.

The party says these changes are part of a bigger plan to reduce waste, make the government more accountable, and focus resources on improving the lives of Nigerians.

These proposals are in the ADC’s 25-page document called ‘The Orange Book,’ which was launched in Abuja on Tuesday by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary.

The document stresses the need for financial discipline and accountability. The party believes that the government needs to be more open to help Nigeria deal with its economic troubles and rebuild public trust.

One of their main proposals is to get rid of single-line budgeting for "security votes" and other security spending that the party claims do not get enough review from the legislature.

Under the new plan, all money spent on security would need approval and oversight by lawmakers, following existing laws. The ADC says this will help prevent the misuse of public funds and ensure that security money is used as intended.

The ADC also wants to cut costs linked to official travel for public officers. They suggest limiting both local and foreign trips to only those that are necessary and cost-effective. They would not allow large official groups, nor would they allow family members and political friends to join these trips.

Public officials would not be allowed to take daily allowances or estacode payments exceeding rates set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Government assets would also be more strictly controlled. The party insists that official cars, homes, planes, and offices assigned to political leaders must be used only for official work.

In addition to spending controls, the ADC wants to take a tougher stand on corruption and misuse of public funds. "All forms of looting of public resources would be treated as a form of banditry," the ADC stated.

This declaration is a key part of the party’s governance plan. It comes at a time when the cost of government and waste in the public sector are hot topics in Nigeria’s politics.

The ADC says its reforms will include stronger institutions. This means more independence for the judiciary, legislature, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. They also want better protection for whistleblowers.

The party promises to manage public resources wisely and make accountability a key part of government work. Their plans also focus on the economy, aiming for what they call a job-led and opportunity-driven growth model.

Instead of just focusing on general economic growth, the party wants to fight poverty and hardship. They want to create more chances for Nigerians to participate in the economy.

The ADC says it will support private businesses but within rules that ensure fair competition. "The ADC shall promote private enterprise while ensuring fair competition. The party shall eliminate all forms of monopoly and cronyism and guarantee equal opportunities for all," they stated.

The ADC plans to align the education system with their vision for economic growth and technology development. They want the education policy to be closely linked to national productivity and the skills needed for economic change.

Politically, the ADC promises to uphold the federal character principle and promote equal opportunities for all, especially for youths, women, and people with disabilities.

Abdullahi, while presenting the document, criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress for poor governance. He claimed that the party has turned Nigeria into what he called a “Yoruba Nation.”

He said the ADC aims to reposition Nigeria to meet international standards if they win in 2027. The party’s governance plan comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, where issues like economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption are expected to be major topics.

For the ADC, the proposals in The Orange Book aim to create a government that prioritizes citizens' welfare while ensuring stronger controls on public spending. Members of the ADC National Working Committee and other senior leaders were present at the Abuja event.