Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has dismissed zoning as the key factor in choosing Nigeria’s next president, insisting that competence and the ability to unite the country should determine leadership ahead of the 2027 election.
Hayatu-Deen spoke on Wednesday at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja after submitting his nomination forms for the party’s presidential primary ahead of the January 2027 general election.
The former banker said the country’s worsening insecurity, inflation, poverty and rising cost of living require a capable leader with a clear understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and opportunities.
According to him, Nigerians need “a unifier, not a divider,” stressing that the nation’s population of over 230 million deserves leadership focused on solving pressing economic and security problems rather than ethnic or regional considerations.
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He said the ADC leadership would decide the mode of primary election in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, adding that the party’s main objective is to emerge victorious in the 2027 poll.
Hayatu-Deen outlined his campaign priorities to include tackling insecurity, reducing poverty, lowering the cost of living and improving access to education.
He lamented the increasing number of out-of-school children, poor healthcare facilities and widespread hardship across the country.
“We face enormous problems in this country, pertaining to high inflation, the cost of living, hunger, poverty, disease and insecurity,” he said.
The presidential hopeful maintained that anyone seeking the presidency must see themselves first as a Nigerian leader rather than a representative of any ethnic or regional bloc.
According to him, taking the oath of office means a commitment to serve all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or background.
Hayatu-Deen also expressed confidence in his chances at the party’s primary and the general election, declaring that he was fully prepared for the contest.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.