Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has said he will not challenge the outcome of the party’s presidential primary despite expressing reservations about the conduct of the exercise.
Hayatu-Deen made the declaration following the conclusion of the ADC presidential primary, which produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Reports indicate that the primary generated controversy, with some aspirants raising concerns about alleged irregularities during the voting process.
While acknowledging his concerns, Hayatu-Deen stated that he would not pursue legal action or formally contest the outcome of the election. He emphasized the need for party unity and urged members to remain focused on the broader objective of strengthening the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former banker and economist noted that political parties must be guided by democratic principles, transparency, and fairness. However, he stressed that internal disagreements should not be allowed to undermine the party’s efforts to present a credible alternative to Nigerians.
His position comes amid ongoing discussions within the ADC following allegations of voter disenfranchisement and manipulation raised by some presidential aspirants after the primary election. Hayatu-Deen had earlier expressed concerns about the process and indicated that he was consulting with his team on the way forward.
Despite those concerns, he has now signaled his willingness to move on and support efforts aimed at strengthening the party. Political observers view the decision as a move that could help reduce tensions within the ADC and encourage reconciliation among party members.
The ADC leadership has consistently maintained that there is no evidence to support claims that the presidential primary was manipulated. Party officials have urged aggrieved aspirants to use internal mechanisms for addressing complaints while emphasizing the importance of unity ahead of the next election cycle.
Analysts believe the ability of the ADC to manage post-primary disagreements will play a significant role in determining its strength as it prepares for the 2027 elections. With the primary now concluded, attention is expected to shift toward reconciliation, party-building, and preparations for the national campaign.
As political activities continue to gather momentum across the country, Hayatu-Deen’s decision not to challenge the primary outcome may help ease tensions within the party and promote a more united front ahead of the next general election.
