By Our Reporter
A former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has ruled out challenging the outcome of the party’s May 25 presidential primary election in court, despite raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the exercise.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Hayatu-Deen said his decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection on the country's political realities.
The former aspirant, who contested for the ADC presidential ticket, acknowledged that the primary process did not meet his expectations, citing what he described as procedural lapses and irregularities.
However, he stressed that Nigeria’s need for a strong, credible and united opposition was more important than personal political ambitions.
According to him, pursuing legal action against the party would not serve the broader objective of strengthening democratic opposition ahead of future electoral contests.
Hayatu-Deen stated that he joined the ADC because he believed the party had the potential to provide a credible alternative political platform founded on integrity, internal democracy and national renewal.
Reflecting on his campaign, he said his engagement with Nigerians across the country reinforced his conviction that many citizens still yearn for competent, principled and visionary leadership.
“Everywhere I went, I encountered what I have come to describe as the silent majority. These are Nigerians who still believe that leadership matters,” he said.
He disclosed that he had privately conveyed his concerns about the conduct of the primary election to the party leadership and expressed confidence that the issues would be addressed.
“Any party that aspires to lead Nigeria must first demonstrate democratic discipline and integrity within its own walls,” he stated.
Hayatu-Deen also expressed appreciation to his supporters, volunteers, donors, party members and campaign team for their dedication throughout the contest.
He described his campaign as a movement driven by the ideals of equity, inclusion, discipline, competence, integrity and national renewal.
The former presidential aspirant urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country's future despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
“Please do not stop believing. Do not surrender your hope to cynicism. Do not accept dysfunction as normal,” he appealed.
Hayatu-Deen maintained that although his quest for the ADC presidential ticket had ended, the larger task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Nigeria remained a collective responsibility.
He called on opposition political actors to remain united in the interest of deepening democracy and providing Nigerians with a credible alternative leadership option.
