The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday screened former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Managing Director of FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, for the 2027 presidency.

Hayatu-Deen, who spoke to journalists after appearing before the Lyiel Imoke-led screening committee, described the nearly one-hour exercise as “a very pivotal moment in the campaign process,” and seamless, adding that the panel needed to verify his documents, as asked him some questions.

He said he is willing to subject himself to any mode of primary the party would adopt to elect its presidential candidate.

“We will either undergo a consensus exercise or go into direct primaries within the short period of time that is available.

“I stand ready, able, and willing to go through that process. And if I’m successful in being the nominee, I would like to pledge to the Nigerian people that I will wage a campaign that is disciplined, focused, and geared towards meeting their yearnings and aspirations at a very difficult moment in the nation’s history,” he promised.

The aspirant enumerated Nigeria’s problems, such as insecurity, the high cost of living, unemployment, epileptic power supply, lack of infrastructure, as well as dilapidated educational and health institutions.

“One of my first priorities is actually to tackle these issues headlong. So I am campaigning on all of these things, plus much more,” he stated.

Hayatu-Deen said he is serious about his aspiration and expressed confidence that he would win the ADC presidential ticket.

Three aspirants obtained the ADC nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the presidential primary.

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi who was supposed to appear before the screening committee by 12 noon, was still being expected at the time of filing this report.