ADC Stakeholders Back Hayatu-Deen Ahead of Primaries

Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria’s South-West region have endorsed Mohammed Hayatu-Deen ahead of the party’s presidential primaries, declaring that the country urgently needs competent and experienced leadership to address its growing economic and governance challenges.

The endorsement was announced after a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, where party leaders, zonal coordinators, and grassroots representatives reviewed potential aspirants and the direction of the party ahead of the next general election cycle.

According to the group, Hayatu-Deen emerged as their preferred aspirant based on what they described as his “track record in economics, public policy, and private sector leadership,” as well as his ability to provide “credible alternatives to Nigeria’s current development trajectory.”

The South-West ADC stakeholders said their decision was driven by the need to reposition the party as a serious contender capable of offering solutions to inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and infrastructure gaps affecting the country.

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They also stressed that Nigeria’s leadership challenge requires more than political popularity, insisting that competence, discipline, and policy depth must guide the selection of the party’s presidential flagbearer.

A spokesperson for the group said the endorsement reflects a broader call within the region for issue-based politics. He added that the ADC must distinguish itself by presenting candidates with “clear plans, measurable policies, and national appeal.”

The stakeholders further urged party delegates nationwide to support a transparent and merit-driven primary process, warning against imposition or internal divisions that could weaken the party’s electoral chances.

They expressed confidence that with the right candidate, ADC could emerge as a strong alternative in the 2027 presidential election, especially if it sustains unity and builds on grassroots mobilisation across regions.

Hayatu-Deen, a former banking executive and policy expert, has previously participated in national political discussions focused on economic restructuring, fiscal reform, and governance efficiency.

The endorsement marks a significant development in early political alignments within the ADC as parties begin positioning ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential contest.