ADP Lagos calls on President Tinubu to Embrace Integrity, Conduct Due Diligence in Future Appointments
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) Lagos Chapter has described the resignation of Mr. Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, as a rare act of courage, self-reflection, and moral responsibility in a political environment long plagued by arrogance, denial, and impunity.
In a statement issued today in Lagos, ADP Lagos commended Mr. Nnaji for choosing the path of honour by stepping down following the storm of certificate forgery allegations that have dominated national discourse in recent weeks. The party noted that his decision to resign – instead of clinging to office – demonstrates an awareness that public office is a trust, not a personal entitlement.
A RARE MOMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY IN A TROUBLED ADMINISTRATION:
The ADP Lagos notes with both surprise and respect that, in a system where many public officials accused of corruption or forgery often remain defiant, Mr. Nnaji’s resignation stands out as an act of moral awakening.
For years, Nigeria’s political elite have treated ethical scandals with disdain, waiting for the storm to pass rather than taking responsibility. Mr. Nnaji’s resignation sends a powerful signal to both the ruling class and the public – that accountability is not weakness, but the first step toward rebuilding integrity in governance. “It takes courage to admit that the honour of the nation is greater than the pride of one man. In stepping down, Mr. Nnaji has done what many before him failed to do – respect the office he occupied and the citizens he served,” – ADP Lagos Chairman.
THE FAILURE OF DUE DILIGENCE:
While commending the former minister, ADP Lagos equally drew attention to what it described as a systemic failure of vetting and integrity screening under the current administration.
According to ADP Lagos, the Nnaji episode exposes a deeper institutional rot – a governance culture that prioritizes political loyalty over competence, and appointments driven by patronage rather than merit.
“Had there been proper due diligence before Mr. Nnaji’s nomination, this national embarrassment would have been avoided,” the statement read. “It is not enough to ask Nigerians to endure sacrifices while those in authority fail the simplest tests of truth and transparency.”
The ADP Lagos therefore urges President Bola Tinubu to use this development as a turning point – to strengthen background checks, enforce transparency, and establish a public accountability framework for ministerial nominees, special advisers, and heads of federal agencies.
A PRESIDENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO RESTORE TRUST:
The party further noted that the controversy surrounding Mr. Nnaji’s credentials and the delayed response from the Presidency have raised serious questions about the administration’s commitment to ethics and due process.
ADP Lagos maintained that silence or slow reaction from the government fuels public distrust and gives the impression that Nigeria’s moral compass has collapsed under political convenience. “Leadership begins with example. When the head of government fails to act decisively in the face of ethical scandal, it sends the wrong signal to the entire civil service. Nigerians are watching to see if the President will match words with action,”
the statement emphasized.
The ADP Lagos called on President Tinubu to conduct a comprehensive audit of all current ministers’ credentials, warning that the administration cannot preach discipline while shielding wrongdoing within its own ranks.
ADP LAGOS: A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE
The ADP Lagos reiterated its position as a virile, visionary, and responsible opposition party committed to building a Nigeria where honesty and competence form the foundation of public service.
The party emphasized that its politics is rooted in transparency, people welfare, and institutional integrity, not in propaganda or excuses. It urged Nigerians to see Mr. Nnaji’s resignation not as the end of a scandal, but as the beginning of a moral rebirth in the nation’s political system.
“We commend Mr. Nnaji for choosing to step aside rather than drag the reputation of the nation further into disrepute. We hope others will learn that power is transient, but integrity is eternal,” said Barr. Adewale Bolaji, ADP Lagos State Chairman.
CALL FOR REFORMS IN APPOINTMENT PROCESSES:
The ADP Lagos proposes that the Federal Government should:
- Institutionalize a Pre-Appointment Vetting Committee composed of representatives from the EFCC, ICPC, NYSC, and tertiary institutions to verify all documents of nominees before appointments are announced.
- Publish verified credentials of all political appointees on official government websites for public scrutiny.
- Establish a Code of Public Office Ethics Tribunal to handle false declarations, forgeries, and breaches of trust swiftly and transparently.
- Introduce an Integrity Index to rate ministries and public institutions on ethical performance annually.
Such measures, the party insists, would help restore public trust and discourage the practice of “rewarding mediocrity with power.”
A LESSON FOR THE NATION:
The ADP Lagos concludes that Mr. Nnaji’s resignation, though born of controversy, could become a defining moment in Nigeria’s search for integrity. It shows that no office is worth more than one’s name, and that Nigeria still has the chance to rebuild a leadership culture grounded in truth.
“The ADP Lagos salutes Mr. Uche Nnaji for his humility in resignation and calls on the President to use this as a mirror for future decisions. Nigeria cannot afford to keep paying for leadership errors born out of haste, favoritism, and poor judgment.”
Issued by:
ADP Lagos Public Affairs Directorate
October 8, 2025
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