A former presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has ruled out challenging the outcome of the party’s 25 May presidential primary in court.
Mr Hayatu-Deen, however, expressed concerns over alleged irregularities and procedural lapses during the exercise, saying that the process fell short of his expectations.
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A statement issued by Hayatu-Deen on Monday in Abuja, titled “My Campaign, The Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,” said his decision followed careful reflection and extensive consultations.
The statement comes a day after he hosted the winner of the primary election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in his Lagos home.
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Atiku contested the election alongside Mr Hayatu-Deen and a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Both Messrs Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the results of the exercise before it was collated, alleging rigging and manipulation.
The former vice president visited Mr Amaechi last week.
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United opposition is more important
Mr Hayatu-Deen said in the statement that Nigeria’s need for a strong, credible, and united opposition is more important than personal ambition or temporary political disappointment.
The former aspirant said he joined the ADC because he believed the party offered an opportunity to build a credible opposition platform anchored on integrity, internal democracy and national renewal.
He said his campaign was inspired by what he described as Nigeria’s “silent majority”, citizens who still believed in competent, principled, and visionary leadership.
Mr Hayatu-Deen said his nationwide engagements exposed him to Nigerians who desired fairness, security, economic prosperity, and compassionate governance.
“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 communicated his concerns regarding the primary process to the party leadership and expressed confidence that they would be reviewed.
“Any party that aspires to lead Nigeria must first demonstrate democratic discipline and integrity within its own walls,” he stated.
Mr Hayatu-Deen thanked his supporters, volunteers, donors, party members, and campaign team for their commitment throughout the contest.
READ ALSO: Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, dumps ADC, says party ‘massively rigged’ primaries to favour Atiku
He described the campaign as a movement built on the values of equity, inclusion, discipline, competence, integrity, and national renewal.
The former aspirant urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite prevailing challenges, insisting that meaningful national transformation remains possible.
“Please do not stop believing. Do not surrender your hope to cynicism. Do not accept dysfunction as normal,” he appealed.
Mr Hayatu-Deen said that although his presidential campaign had ended, the broader task of building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria remained a collective responsibility.
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