Hayatu-Deen rules out challenging Atiku’s emergence as ADC presidential candidate

Former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has ruled out challenging the outcome of the party’s May 25, 2026 presidential primary in court, despite previously alleging widespread irregularities and procedural shortcomings during the exercise.

Hayatu-Deen made his position known in a statement released on Monday titled, “My campaign, the silent majority and the future of our democracy,” saying he had chosen party cohesion and the broader objective of building a credible opposition movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former banker earlier distanced himself from the process and boycotted the announcement of the results over concerns about its credibility.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged winner of the ADC presidential primary with 1,846,370 votes, while former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi placed second with 504,117 votes. Hayatu-Deen finished third with 177,120 votes.

However, in his latest statement, Hayatu-Deen said consultations with supporters and stakeholders had convinced him to pursue a different path.

“I have decided, after careful reflection and wide consultation, that I will not challenge the outcome in court. Nigeria urgently requires a strong, credible and united opposition. That objective must always remain larger than individual ambition or temporary political disappointment,” he said.

Although he did not provide details of the alleged irregularities, Hayatu-Deen maintained that aspects of the primary process fell short of his expectations and said he had privately conveyed his concerns to the party leadership.

“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 stated.

“I trust that those concerns will be reviewed in the spirit of continuous improvement, because any party that aspires to lead Nigeria must first demonstrate democratic discipline and integrity within its own walls.”

Reflecting on his decision to join the ADC after previously contesting for the presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2022, Hayatu-Deen said he was attracted by the party’s promise of a different political culture.

“I joined the ADC because I sincerely believed that the party represented an opportunity to build something different — a credible opposition movement anchored on a robust ideology, integrity, internal democracy and national renewal,” he said.

He noted that his campaign engagements across the country reinforced his belief that many Nigerians still desire principled and competent leadership despite growing disillusionment with the political class.

Describing these citizens as Nigeria’s “silent majority,” Hayatu-Deen said they remain committed to the ideals of accountability, fairness and good governance.

“These are Nigerians who may not always dominate public discourse or social media conversations, but who carry within them a quiet and enduring hope for a better country,” he said.

“Nigerians who still believe that leadership matters. Nigerians who still believe that integrity matters. Nigerians who are not asking for perfection, but who long for a high quality of life, a safer and more secure society, fairness, equity, competence and compassion in governance.”

The former aspirant urged his supporters not to abandon the values that inspired his campaign, insisting that he harboured no bitterness over the outcome of the contest.

“What I will carry forward from this campaign is not bitterness, but gratitude,” he said while thanking volunteers, donors, party members and supporters across the country.

He also appealed to Nigerians to remain optimistic about the nation’s future.

“Please do not stop believing. Do not surrender your hope to cynicism. Do not accept dysfunction as normal. And do not stop believing in the possibility of a better nation.”

Hayatu-Deen concluded by stressing that although his presidential bid had ended, the pursuit of national transformation must continue.

“This campaign may have come to an end, but the larger task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Nigeria continues. And that cause remains worthy of our collective effort,” he said.

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