Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), met former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Friday to discuss Nigeria's political future and his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. The meeting, described as closed-door, marked a reunion between two figures with a shared history in public service, dating back to Jonathan's time as vice-president. Hayatu-Deen previously served on the National Council on Privatisation and chaired the Bureau of Public Enterprises during Jonathan's vice-presidency, and later contributed to governance reforms as a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee under Jonathan's presidency. After the meeting, Hayatu-Deen told journalists he had formally informed Jonathan of his decision to run for president under the ADC platform. An economist and banker by profession, Hayatu-Deen stated that his career in both public and private sectors had contributed to job creation for millions, a factor motivating his presidential ambition. He confirmed that he had collected the ADC presidential nomination form from the party's national secretariat. Hayatu-Deen praised Jonathan's role in promoting democratic growth, electoral integrity and sustainable governance across Africa. Jonathan, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, received Hayatu-Deen warmly and wished him success in his political journey ahead of the 2027 general elections.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

Hayatu-Deen's emphasis on job creation through private sector experience contrasts with his reliance on political appointments from a past administration often criticised for economic mismanagement. His alignment with Jonathan, a figure still polarising in national discourse, may shape voter perception of his candidacy. The ADC, a minor party, gains visibility through such high-profile engagements, though electoral impact remains uncertain. Hayatu-Deen's campaign will need more than past affiliations to break through Nigeria's dominant two-party dynamic.

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