A renowned economist and politician, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has picked the African Democratic Congress presidential nomination form, declaring readiness to contest Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.

Mr Hayatu-Deen was the first presidential aspirant to pick the party’s presidential nomination form. The form was presented to the aspirant on Thursday night at the ADC’s national secretariat in Abuja by the party’s national organising secretary, Chinedu Idigo.

Mr Hayatu-Deen pledged to abide by the ADC’s leadership decision on the mode of primary.

“I have made it clear in a number of places that our leadership is strong. It is vigorous. It is wise, and it exercises sound judgment. And we follow the rules at this party to the letter.

“It is left to the leadership of the party to determine how it is going to carry out this particular election, either through direct primaries or through consensus.

“I am here to pick up the nomination form to contest the office of the president on the platform of ADC, and I have picked it up,” he said.

Mr Hayatu-Deen said democracy guaranteed every eligible Nigerian the right to contest elective offices, stressing that leadership choices ultimately belong to the people.

“The president emerged through democratic processes, and Nigerians must remain free to choose their leaders through open contests, free speech and credible elections,” he added.

While acknowledging that the race would be competitive, he said that ADC’s internal process would determine its candidate through consensus or direct primaries.

“I am not the only aspirant, and that is the beauty of democracy. I will fully abide by whatever decision the party leadership takes,” he stated.

Mr Hayatu-Deen pledged to unveil fresh governance ideas centred on massive job creation, reduced living costs, tackling insecurity, and lifting millions out of poverty.

“My priority is jobs, lower living costs, decisive action on insecurity and reducing poverty by at least 60 per cent within four years. Nigeria cannot continue as the poverty capital of the world. Our people deserve prosperity, safety and responsible governance,” he added.

He described Nigeria’s poverty and security challenges as unacceptable, promising practical reforms to rebuild institutions and restore public confidence.

Speaking on competing against prominent aspirants such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Hayatu-Deen expressed confidence in his experience and leadership credentials.

(NAN)