A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has accepted the outcome of the party’s presidential primary election while calling for unity within the opposition and stronger internal democracy.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 1, Hayatu-Deen referenced an earlier position he made on May 26, before the collation of results, in which he expressed concern over alleged irregularities during the primary.
In that earlier statement, the businessman disclosed that he would not attend the announcement of the ADC presidential election results, citing reports of widespread vote rigging and questioning the party’s internal democratic credibility.
He also drew comparisons between the party’s criticism of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and what he described as similar practices within the party’s internal processes.
Providing further context in his latest statement, Hayatu-Deen stated that his intervention was intended to highlight the need for stronger democratic culture within political parties.
He noted that his experience in partisan politics began in 2022 when he first contested for the presidency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that the experience shaped his expectations of political leadership and institutional integrity.
He revealed that he joined the ADC believing it could serve as a credible opposition platform anchored on ideology, internal democracy, and national renewal.
According to him, his nationwide campaign exposed him to what he described as a “silent majority” of Nigerians who remain hopeful for a better country despite ongoing challenges.
Hayatu-Deen said that although the outcome of the May 25, 2026 primary did not meet his expectations, he had communicated his concerns privately to the party leadership.
He added that he would not challenge the outcome in court, stressing that the priority must be the emergence of a strong, credible, and united opposition.
The industrial leader emphasised that democratic discipline and internal integrity must be demonstrated by any political party seeking to govern Nigeria.
Expressing gratitude to his supporters and campaign team, he thanked them for their commitment, sacrifice, and belief in principled politics.
Hayatu-Deen urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the possibility of national renewal, saying meaningful change often begins quietly before becoming visible.
“This campaign may have come to an end, but the larger task of building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria continues,” he declared.
He reaffirmed his commitment to national development and called for sustained belief in unity, democratic values, and responsible leadership.
