ADC Primaries: Hayatu-Deen drops court action, calls for united opposition

By Myke Uzendu, Abuja

Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has ruled out challenging the outcome of the party’s May 25, 2026 presidential primary in court despite expressing concerns over alleged irregularities and procedural lapses during the exercise.

Recall that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, winner of the presidential primary, met with Hayatu-Deen behind closed doors at his Lagos residence where it was believed that Atiku took steps to pacify him.

In a statement titled, “My Campaign, The Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,” on Monday , Hayatu-Deen said that he took the decision after a careful reflection on the outcome of the primary and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.

The former presidential hopeful said that while he remained disappointed by aspects of the conduct of the primary election, the imperative of building a strong, credible and united opposition outweighed personal political ambitions.

“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 stated.

Hayatu-Deen recalled that on May 26, before the official announcement of the primary results, he had publicly raised concerns about reports of widespread vote manipulation and procedural shortcomings during the exercise.

At the time, he questioned what he described as an apparent contradiction between the ADC’s criticism of electoral malpractice by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and alleged shortcomings within the party’s own processes.

Providing further context to his earlier remarks, the aspirant said his decision to join the ADC was informed by his belief that the party offered an opportunity to build a credible opposition movement founded on ideology, integrity, internal democracy and national renewal.

According to him, his campaign exposed him to what he described as Nigeria’s “silent majority”—citizens who may not dominate public discourse but who continue to believe in principled leadership, competence, fairness and national progress.

“Everywhere I went, I encountered what I have come to describe as the silent majority. 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.

The businessman and politician noted that although the outcome of the primary failed to meet his expectations, he had chosen to communicate his concerns directly and privately to the leadership of the party.

He expressed confidence that the issues raised would be reviewed in the spirit of strengthening the party’s internal democratic processes.

“Any party that aspires to lead Nigeria must first demonstrate democratic discipline and integrity within its own walls,” he said.

Hayatu-Deen, who previously sought the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general election, said his experience in partisan politics had reinforced his conviction that Nigeria’s future depends on leadership driven by service, competence and accountability.

He thanked supporters, volunteers, women groups, professionals, students, artisans, donors and party faithful across the country for their commitment to his campaign, describing their support as evidence that many Nigerians still believe politics can be guided by principles and integrity.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite prevailing challenges, insisting that the quest for a better nation remains achievable.

“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,” he said.

According to him, although the primary contest has ended, the broader mission of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Nigeria remains ongoing.

“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,” Hayatu-Deen added.

His decision not to pursue legal action is expected to ease tensions within the ADC following a fiercely contested presidential primary, as party leaders seek to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general election.

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