Former Presidential aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Hayatu-Deen, an economist and banker, cited the worsening insecurity in the country, rising cost of living, and “Shrinking democratic space in Nigeria,” as the reason for his defection.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media office, Hayatu-Deen, who contested the 2022 PDP presidential primaries, said his decision was driven by growing national challenges and the need for a credible alternative capable of delivering security, economic stability, and job creation.
The former presidential aspirant warned that democratic institutions are under attack, noting that space for genuine opposition is narrowing.
According to him, Nigerians deserve real choices, and pledged to deploy his decades of experience in business and economic reform and would campaign actively with the ADC for the 2027 elections to deliver a safer and more prosperous future for the country.
Hayatu-Deen said the nation faces fundamental problems that are being ignored.
“This was the motivational force behind my entry into politics in 2022, when I threw my hat into the ring as a presidential aspirant in the PDP in what was then a wide-open democratic space.
“However, since then, the hopes and yearnings of Nigerians have been met with bitter disappointment.
“This is why I have taken the decision to join the ADC which I know is the vehicle for change,” he said.
The former presidential aspirant said Nigeria wants a government that is focused on fixing the problems, and delivering a safer and more prosperous future for their families.
“Aspirational Nigerians want a steady, calm and credible government alternative that will tackle insecurity, reduce the cost of living, and foster job creation; ensuring that our hopes for the future are realised and not forfeited to politics as usual.
“I am also deeply concerned about the increasing shrinkage of our democratic space.
“Voices are being stifled, institutions are under strain, and the space for credible opposition and real choice is being systematically closed. Democracy must offer Nigerians genuine options,” he said.
The presidential aspirant promised that he would deploy his business and governmental experience to support millions of jobs in Nigeria.
“From this day onwards until the 2027 elections, I will campaign relentlessly as a party member, to help the ADC win the elections and deliver the better future Nigeria desperately deserves,” he promised.
