A former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has rejected the outcome of the party’s presidential primary election, citing alleged widespread irregularities during the exercise.
Hayatu-Deen reiterated his position despite a reconciliation visit by the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, aimed at fostering unity within the party.
In a statement titled “My Campaign, the Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,” the former aspirant said his decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection. While expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primary, he stressed that he would not challenge the outcome in court.
“The outcome of the May 25 primary did not fully meet my expectations, and I have communicated my deep concerns about certain processes and procedural matters directly and privately to the leadership of the party,” he said.
Hayatu-Deen alleged that the primary election was marred by irregularities, including reports of vote manipulation, which he argued undermined confidence in the party’s internal democratic process.
According to him, observations made during the collation process pointed to broader structural weaknesses within the ADC’s electoral framework.
The former presidential aspirant had earlier declined to attend the official announcement of the primary election results on May 26, citing concerns over the integrity of the exercise.
“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed,” he had stated.
Despite his reservations, Hayatu-Deen said he had chosen not to seek legal redress in the interest of maintaining opposition unity and strengthening democratic engagement ahead of future elections.
“Nigeria urgently requires a strong, credible and united opposition. That objective must always remain larger than individual ambition or temporary political disappointment,” he said.
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He disclosed that Atiku personally visited him following the primary in a bid to promote reconciliation and internal cohesion within the party.
However, Hayatu-Deen maintained during the meeting that the process that produced the party’s candidate fell short of the standards expected of a democratic political organisation.
While acknowledging the peace effort, he insisted that his concerns regarding the conduct of the election remained unchanged.
Reflecting on his campaign journey, Hayatu-Deen said he encountered what he described as a “silent majority” of Nigerians who continue to believe in integrity, accountability and service-oriented leadership.
“Everywhere I went, I encountered what I have come to describe as the silent majority — Nigerians who still believe that integrity matters, and that leadership must be anchored on service,” he said.
He thanked members of his campaign team and supporters across the country for their commitment and urged them not to lose faith in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The development highlights lingering tensions within the ADC following its presidential primary, even as party leaders seek to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.