Abuja: Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has ruled out challenging the outcome of the party’s May 25 presidential primary in court. Hayatu-Deen, however, expressed concerns over alleged irregularities and procedural lapses during the exercise, saying that the process fell short of his expectations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement issued by Hayatu-Deen on Monday in Abuja and titled, ‘My Campaign, The Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,’ said his decision followed careful reflection and extensive consultations. He emphasized that Nigeria’s need for a strong, credible, and united opposition is more important than personal ambition or temporary political disappointment.
The former aspirant highlighted his reasons for joining the ADC, expressing belief in the party’s potential to provide a credible opposition platform grounded in integrity, internal democracy, and national renewal. His campaign, he noted, was inspired by Nigeria’s ‘silent majority’-citizens who believe in competent, principled, and visionary leadership.
Hayatu-Deen’s nationwide engagements brought him face to face with Nigerians aspiring for fairness, security, economic prosperity, and compassionate governance. He described these citizens as the ‘silent majority’ who still believe in the importance of leadership.
He revealed that he had privately communicated his concerns about the primary process to the party leadership and expressed confidence that they would be reviewed. He asserted that any party aspiring to lead Nigeria must demonstrate democratic discipline and integrity internally.
Hayatu-Deen expressed gratitude to his supporters, volunteers, donors, party members, and campaign team for their dedication throughout the contest. He described the campaign as a movement founded on values of equity, inclusion, discipline, competence, integrity, and national renewal.
Despite the challenges Nigeria faces, Hayatu-Deen urged citizens not to lose faith in the country, insisting that significant national transformation is still achievable. He encouraged Nigerians to hold on to hope and reject cynicism and dysfunction as the norm.
Concluding, Hayatu-Deen emphasized that while his presidential campaign had ended, the broader mission of building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria remains a collective responsibility.