Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a former African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has decided not to file a lawsuit to contest the results of the party’s May 25, 2026, presidential primary, despite claims of numerous irregularities and procedural violations.
In a post-primary statement released on Monday and titled “My campaign, the silent majority and the future of our democracy,” Hayatu-Deen said he had chosen party unity and the broader goal of building a credible opposition over personal political ambition.
His choice was made just days after he abruptly distanced himself from the primary process by refusing to participate in the announcement of the election results, citing concerns about the exercise’s integrity and allegations of vote manipulation.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms on May 26, before the commencement of result collation, Hayatu-Deen had declared, “I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed.”
“I have decided, after careful reflection and wide consultation, that I will not challenge the outcome in court. Nigeria urgently requires a strong, credible and united opposition. That objective must always remain larger than individual ambition or temporary political disappointment,” he said.
While stopping short of providing specific details of the alleged irregularities, Hayatu-Deen maintained that the conduct of the primary failed to meet his expectations and said he had privately communicated his concerns to the leadership of the party.
“The outcome of the May 25 primary did not fully meet my expectations, and I have communicated my deep concerns about certain processes and procedural matters directly and privately to the leadership of the party,” he stated.
“I trust that those concerns will be reviewed in the spirit of continuous improvement, because any party that aspires to lead Nigeria must first demonstrate democratic discipline and integrity within its own walls.”
Hayatu-Deen, who first sought the presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2022 before joining the ADC, said he ventured into the race believing the party could offer Nigerians a different political culture anchored on integrity, ideology and internal democracy.
“I joined the ADC because I sincerely believed that the party represented an opportunity to build something different — a credible opposition movement anchored on a robust ideology, integrity, internal democracy and national renewal,” he said.
“These are Nigerians who may not always dominate public discourse or social media conversations, but who carry within them a quiet and enduring hope for a better country,” he said.
“Nigerians who still believe that leadership matters. Nigerians who still believe that integrity matters. Nigerians who are not asking for perfection, but who long for a high quality of life, a safer and more secure society, fairness, equity, competence and compassion in governance.”
“What I will carry forward from this campaign is not bitterness, but gratitude,” he said, thanking volunteers, donors, party members and supporters across the country.
He also called on Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s democratic future.
“Please do not stop believing. Do not surrender your hope to cynicism. Do not accept dysfunction as normal. And do not stop believing in the possibility of a better nation.”
“This campaign may have come to an end, but the larger task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Nigeria continues. And that cause remains worthy of our collective effort.”
This unwavering acceptance reflects the true spirit of unity and commitment to the collective progress of our nation. It exemplifies the importance of unity in diversity and the need to work together towards a common goal, transcending individual differences for the greater good.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One 
Rose Ajieh
