A renowned economist and politician, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has officially picked the presidential nomination form of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election, becoming the first aspirant to declare interest in contesting for the party’s presidential ticket.
The nomination form was presented to Hayatu-Deen on Thursday night at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo.
Party members present at the event reportedly described the move as an early demonstration of political strength, preparation and organisation within the opposition party.
Speaking shortly after obtaining the form, Hayatu-Deen pledged loyalty to the party’s internal democratic processes, saying he would abide by whatever decision the leadership adopts regarding the mode of selecting its presidential candidate.
“I have made it clear in a number of places that our leadership is strong. It is vigorous, it is wise and it exercises sound judgment. And we follow the rules in this party to the letter,” he said.
“It is left to the leadership of the party to determine how it is going to carry out this particular election, either through direct primaries or through consensus.
“I am here to pick up the nomination form to contest for the office of the president on the platform of ADC, and I have picked it up,” he added.
Hayatu-Deen stressed that democracy guarantees every eligible Nigerian the right to seek elective office, maintaining that leadership choices should ultimately rest with the people through transparent and credible elections.
“The president emerged through democratic processes, and Nigerians must remain free to choose their leaders through open contests, free speech and credible elections,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the race for the ADC presidential ticket would be competitive, the aspirant reiterated his commitment to respecting the outcome of the party’s internal process.
“I am not the only aspirant, and that is the beauty of democracy. I will fully abide by whatever decision the party leadership takes,” he said.
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The economist also unveiled parts of his proposed agenda, promising to prioritise job creation, reduce the cost of living, tackle insecurity and significantly cut poverty levels if elected president.
“My priority is jobs, lower living costs, decisive action on insecurity and reducing poverty by at least 60 per cent within four years,” he said.
“Nigeria cannot continue as the poverty capital of the world. Our people deserve prosperity, safety and responsible governance.”
Hayatu-Deen described Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges as unacceptable and pledged to pursue practical reforms aimed at rebuilding institutions and restoring public confidence in governance.
Speaking on the prospect of competing against prominent politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, he expressed confidence in his experience and leadership credentials.
“Everybody will go to the primary with their best foot forward. I’m going to put my best foot forward,” he said.
“I believe that I have an agenda that is very compelling, that is very, very energetic, and I believe that I’m a visionary leader.
“I have spent decades fixing broken institutions, creating jobs and advising governments. I believe I have the vision and competence to govern Nigeria responsibly.”