First row: Businessman, Hayatu-Deen chose the ADC president form

Businessman and politician, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has officially declared his interest in becoming president of Nigeria in 2027 by selecting the presidential nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

With this move, he became the first presidential candidate to opt for the party’s presidential nomination form which was handed over to him on Thursday evening at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja by the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo.

Speaking shortly after selecting the form, the presidential candidate promised to abide by the ADC leadership’s decision regarding the manner of the primary election.

“I have emphasized in a number of places that our leadership is strong.
He is strong, wise, and uses sound judgment. And we follow the rules at this party.

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“It is up to the party leadership to determine how they will conduct this election, either through direct primaries or through consensus.

“I am here to collect the nomination form to contest for the presidency on the ADC platform, and I have taken it,” he said.

Hayatu-Deen said democracy guarantees the right of every eligible Nigerian to contest elections, and stressed that the choice of leadership is ultimately in the hands of the people.

“Presidents emerge through a democratic process, and Nigerians must remain free to elect their leaders through open competition, freedom of expression and credible elections,” he added.

While acknowledging the fact that the race will be competitive, he said that the ADC’s internal processes will determine its candidates through consensus or direct primaries.

“I am not the only candidate, and that is the beauty of democracy. I will fully obey whatever decision the party leadership makes,” he said.

Hayatu-Deen promised to unveil new governance ideas centered on massive job creation, reducing the cost of living, tackling insecurity and lifting millions of people out of poverty.

“My priorities are jobs, a lower cost of living, decisive action on insecurity and reducing poverty by at least 60 percent within four years.

“Nigeria cannot continue to be the poverty capital of the world. Our people deserve prosperity, security and accountable government,” he added.

He described Nigeria’s poverty and security challenges as unacceptable, and promised practical reforms to rebuild institutions and restore public confidence.

Speaking about his competition with leading candidates such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Hayatu-Deen expressed confidence in his leadership experience and credibility.

“Everyone is going to go into the main draw with their best foot forward. I’m going to put my best foot forward. I’m going to do my best.”

“I believe that I have a very compelling agenda, very, very energetic, and I believe that I am a visionary leader.

“I have spent decades repairing broken institutions, creating jobs and advising governments. I am confident I have the vision and competence to govern Nigeria responsibly,” he said.