Hayatu-Deen Throws Hat into Ring, Challenges Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi for ADC's 2027 Presidential Ticket

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), has announced his intention to run for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027, joining an already crowded field that includes Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi.

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This move bolstered the ADC's position as a potential hub for opposition figures ahead of 2027, setting the stage for a closely watched presidential ticket battle that will test the party's unity and credibility.

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In a statement, Hayatu-Deen cited the growing struggles of Nigerians and the need for experienced leadership as the driving forces behind his decision to seek the ADC presidential ticket, stating that the current state of the country is "not the Nigeria we deserve".

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He highlighted the daily hardships faced by many Nigerians, where survival has become increasingly difficult due to rising food and petrol prices, making it a struggle for people to get through each day.

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Hayatu-Deen also expressed concern over the country's security priorities, noting that the government now allocates more funds to ransoms than to equipping its security forces, while the naira continues to weaken against other African currencies.

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He criticized the growing disconnect between those in power and the people, arguing that the government's response to rising hardship has been inadequate, and that Nigerians have borne the brunt of poor policies and insecurity for too long.

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Positioning himself as a viable alternative, Hayatu-Deen pledged to focus on stabilizing the economy, restoring security, and rebuilding trust in public institutions, leveraging his over four decades of experience.

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He emphasized the need for a calm and steady leader who can fix systems, create jobs, and secure lives and livelihoods, stating that "Nigeria needs a calm and steady leader, someone who understands how to fix systems, create jobs, and secure lives and livelihoods".

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Hayatu-Deen warned that the ADC's chances in 2027 would heavily depend on the party's ability to remain united, stressing that "our strength lies in our unity" and that the party must present a credible alternative to Nigerians.

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He called for collective action, urging everyone to work together to offer a viable path forward, one that secures the country, grows the economy, and restores hope to the people, saying "Together, we can offer a real path forward, one that secures our country, grows our economy, and restores hope to our people".

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Hayatu-Deen's entry into the race is expected to further intensify the contest within the ADC, as the party navigates rising public expectations and the challenge of maintaining unity ahead of a critical election cycle.