Former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has ruled out challenging the outcome of the party’s presidential primary election in court, despite expressing concerns over alleged irregularities in the process.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and titled *“My Campaign, The Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,”* Hayatu-Deen said his decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection on the broader political realities facing the country.
According to him, the need for a strong, credible, and united opposition in Nigeria outweighs personal ambitions or temporary political setbacks.
Hayatu-Deen noted that he joined the ADC because he believed it had the potential to provide a viable opposition platform founded on integrity, internal democracy, and national renewal.
He said his presidential campaign was inspired by what he described as Nigeria’s “silent majority” — citizens who continue to believe in principled leadership, competence, and meaningful national transformation.
“Everywhere I travelled during the campaign, I met Nigerians who still believe that leadership matters and that our country can be better governed,” he stated.
The former aspirant explained that his engagements across the country revealed widespread aspirations for fairness, security, economic prosperity, and compassionate governance.
While acknowledging concerns about the conduct of the May 25 primary election, Hayatu-Deen said he had already communicated his observations privately to the party leadership.
He expressed confidence that the issues raised would be reviewed in the interest of strengthening the party’s democratic processes.
“Any political party seeking to govern Nigeria must first demonstrate democratic discipline, transparency, and integrity within its own ranks,” he said.
Despite his reservations, Hayatu-Deen stressed that he would not pursue legal action, urging party members and supporters to remain focused on the larger objective of building a credible alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He thanked his supporters, volunteers, donors, party members, and campaign team for their dedication throughout the contest.
Describing the campaign as a movement driven by the ideals of equity, inclusion, competence, integrity, discipline, and national renewal, he said the values that inspired the campaign remain relevant beyond the primary election.
Hayatu-Deen also urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s current socio-economic and political challenges.
“Do not stop believing in Nigeria. Do not allow cynicism to replace hope, and do not accept dysfunction as the norm,” he appealed.
He maintained that while his presidential bid had come to an end, the larger mission of building a more prosperous, just, and inclusive nation remained a collective responsibility.
According to him, meaningful change is still possible when citizens remain committed to democratic values, accountability, and national development.
