Lagos: Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, an aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, on Wednesday submitted his completed expression of interest and nomination forms. Speaking shortly after the submission, Hayatu-Deen emphasized that competence, leadership capacity, and commitment to national unity should take precedence over zoning.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Hayatu-Deen described the submission process at the ADC secretariat as seamless and efficient, marking a significant milestone in his journey toward the 2027 presidential election. He expressed his satisfaction with the process, saying, “It is a beautiful, smart, quick process, and I came here to submit my completed nomination forms for my candidature. This is a remarkable day in the journey ahead of us, culminating in the presidential election of January 2027.”
Hayatu-Deen highlighted that democracy is about empowering Nigerians to choose credible representatives for elective positions, particularly the presidency. “Power truly belongs to the people, and what we are here to do is to give Nigerians a choice. The pinnacle of elective office is the presidency, and I can tell you with full confidence that I am fully prepared,” he stated.
The presidential aspirant expressed confidence in his ability to win both the party’s nomination and the presidential election through a strategic campaign and personal conviction. “I am certain of myself, and I am very confident about the kind of campaign I will wage and win,” he added.
Regarding the mode of primaries, Hayatu-Deen noted that the Electoral Act empowered party leadership to adopt consensus or direct primaries based on ADC’s electoral strategy. He reiterated that competence, capacity, and national unity should outweigh zoning considerations in selecting a presidential candidate for Nigeria’s over 230 million people. “Competence is what Nigeria needs now, not division. The country deserves a unifier who understands its problems, opportunities, and global relevance,” he stated.
Hayatu-Deen identified inflation, insecurity, poverty, poor healthcare, and out-of-school children as pressing national challenges requiring urgent intervention. “If I secure the nomination, my campaign will focus on poverty alleviation, security, affordable living, quality education, and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he said.
The presidential aspirant concluded by stating that anyone seeking the presidency must govern as a true Nigerian and prioritize national interest above ethnicity, regional, or religious considerations.