Hayatu-Deen Urges ADC Delegates to Reject Recycled Politicians

ABUJA — ADC presidential aspirant and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has urged party delegates to reject what he described as recycled politics and choose credible, fresh leadership ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primary. He made the appeal at a pre-convention event held in Abuja on Sunday.

Hayatu-Deen, a former Managing Director of United Bank for Africa, positioned himself as the candidate who brings economic expertise and genuine reform credentials to the ADC race. He argued that Nigeria’s problems require technocratic solutions, not political recycling.

“Nigerians are suffering. They do not need another politician who has been everywhere and delivered nothing. They need someone who understands how economies work and who has the discipline to make hard decisions in the national interest,” Hayatu-Deen told supporters.

His appeal is directed primarily at delegates who may be considering voting for Atiku Abubakar or Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom have been prominent in Nigerian national politics for decades. Hayatu-Deen argues that their long track records in government have not produced the results Nigerians need.

The Technocrat in the Race

Hayatu-Deen brings a different profile to the ADC presidential race. Unlike Atiku and Amaechi, he has not held elected political office. His career in banking and finance has given him deep expertise in Nigeria’s economic challenges, but limited experience in the political mobilisation that winning a presidential election requires.

Political analysts say his candidacy resonates with a segment of the Nigerian electorate that is deeply frustrated with career politicians. However, they note that name recognition, party structures, and financial resources remain crucial in Nigerian elections. On all three measures, Atiku and Amaechi hold significant advantages.

Furthermore, the ADC’s factional crisis complicates all three candidates’ situations. Until the party resolves its internal dispute and holds a credible primary, none of them can formally be declared the ADC candidate. The May 30 INEC deadline is approaching rapidly with no clear resolution in sight.

Primary or Consensus?

Hayatu-Deen has previously said he supports a direct primary rather than a consensus selection. He argues that delegates should have the genuine freedom to vote for their preferred candidate without pressure from party bosses who have aligned with one aspirant over others.

However, ADC officials have indicated that they would prefer a consensus candidate to avoid the public division that a contested primary might create. Achieving consensus among aspirants as different as Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen, all with significant egos and financial resources, appears extremely difficult.

Hayatu-Deen said he will not withdraw from the race voluntarily. He said the final decision belongs to the delegates and that he trusts them to make the right choice for Nigeria. He expressed confidence that his economic credentials will distinguish him when delegates make their final assessment.