Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged the party to adopt a consensus-based approach in selecting its 2027 presidential candidate. He made the appeal on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja, citing the May 30, 2026 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political parties to submit their candidates. Hayatu-Deen argued that the party lacks sufficient time and resources to conduct direct primaries, which he said would impose a heavy financial burden on contestants. He referenced his experience as a 2022 PDP presidential aspirant, stating that the primary process then was "financially draining, almost as expensive as running a full presidential campaign," and that "the highest spender secured the ticket."
Hayatu-Deen called on ADC leadership to determine the candidate selection method and urged all aspirants to support a consensus choice to ensure party unity. He pledged to abide by the party's decision and support whoever emerges as the flag bearer. He emphasized the need for leadership rooted in empathy, saying, "Every morning when I wake up and look at myself in the mirror, what I see are millions of Nigerians living below the poverty line, people who are terrified, in real hardship, and have lost hope." He described a leader as someone who must "absorb the pains and suffering of the people" and understand daily struggles like overcrowded public transport. Hayatu-Deen stated that Nigeria needs a leader who builds consensus and prioritizes "the greatest good for the greatest number."
Hayatu-Deen criticizes the monetization of primaries while running for the same ticket he says money buys. He admits the process he once took part in was won by the highest spender, yet now seeks a consensus path he could not secure in 2022. His call for empathy rings hollow when his own ambition depends on bypassing the very democratic process he once engaged. Nigerians who recall his PDP bid may question whether this is reform or retreat.
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