Leading presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress,ADC,Mohammed Hayatu-Deen,in this interview with Vanguard, declared that he will not step down for any contender ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries, insisting that Nigeria urgently needs competent and visionary leadership to reverse what he described as nearly two decades of economic decline, insecurity, and worsening hardship. Excerpts:
You have people like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, who were already in the party before you joined. What do you think your chances are, especially in an environment where many people believe politics is heavily influenced by established structures and interests? What are your chances of winning the party’s presidential ticket?
I thought you were going to spare me because you are a negotiator like me. But that is the essence of democracy. First and foremost, every citizen who is of voting age and constitutionally qualified has the right to contest for any office of his choice. That is guaranteed under our Constitution and laws.
Second, this is a very serious undertaking, and we are at a defining moment in the history of our country. I am a thorough professional, and anything I do in life, I do not take lightly. I have carefully reflected on the state of the country, where we are headed, and the kind of leadership required at this critical point in our history.
I believe Nigeria’s problems are largely bread-and-butter issues ,social and economic in nature. They require someone with deep knowledge and understanding of the economic and social history of this country, and someone capable of providing practical solutions.
Growing up, including during the Civil War, whenever Nigeria faced major challenges, it never took more than a few years for the country to recover because leaders understood the nature of the problems and citizens consistently held the government accountable. Governments were compelled to acknowledge those problems, outline solutions, and work towards clear goals.
However, from about 2007 till now, Nigeria has experienced a prolonged decline in the quality of life of its people. We have seen rising inflation, massive unemployment, insecurity spreading across the country, and collapsing education and healthcare systems. For a country as rich as Nigeria, this is deeply troubling.
For nearly 20 years, Nigerians have endured immense hardship. Compare this with countries like Rwanda and Ghana, which also faced serious crises but were able to recover through focused leadership and deliberate policies. Today, many African countries are recording steady economic growth because of disciplined governance.
My decision to contest is motivated by this reality. I believe I have the experience, the ideas, and the practical capacity to help turn this country around. Throughout my professional life, I have solved complex problems successfully. I understand how to build an effective, compact, and efficient government capable of delivering prosperity and welfare to Nigerians.
At my core, I am a nationalist. I believe every Nigerian matters equally, regardless of region, ethnicity, or religion. Leadership should be about delivering the greatest good for the greatest number of people and eradicating poverty. That is the platform I bring to the ADC, and I believe it is highly competitive.
In the event that you do not secure the party’s ticket, what action should we expect from you? Will you remain in the party?
As I have always said, I am guided by values and principles. I am not a conventional politician driven solely by ambition. By the grace of God, I have built a reputation and credibility over many years, and I would never do anything at this stage of my life to destroy that.
Loyalty and commitment are very important to me, and I have demonstrated those values throughout my career. Personal ambition, when taken too far, can destroy a person. I have already told the party leadership that I trust them to conduct a fair process. Whoever emerges as the candidate will have my full support. I will stand behind that person and work with the party to ensure victory at the polls.
What gives you confidence that the ADC, or whoever emerges as its candidate, stands a real chance in the next election, especially considering the voting patterns Nigerians have maintained over the years and the legal challenges facing the party?
Life is full of opportunities and challenges. When challenges arise, you confront them and work to overcome them. The legal challenges facing the party were not of our making. In my opinion, many of them lack merit and are simply attempts to frustrate us. Nevertheless, we have been dealing with them effectively.
One thing that distinguishes the ADC is our belief in party supremacy. During the First and Second Republics, political parties were stronger institutions, and leaders respected party structures and decisions. Over time, that culture weakened, allowing individuals to dominate parties instead of the other way around.
Our goal in the ADC is to ensure that once a candidate emerges through the primaries, the entire party rallies behind that person. We will collectively deploy our resources, ideas, and energy to prosecute a strong campaign and, once in office, ensure that elected officials remain faithful to the party’s vision and promises to Nigerians.
Democracy is about offering people choices. Nigerians deserve credible alternatives. The opposition must build bridges, cooperate, and place national interest above personal ambition if we are to provide a meaningful challenge to the ruling party.
Ultimately, power belongs to the Nigerian people. Politicians are elected to serve citizens , not themselves. Unfortunately, widespread poverty and low political awareness have weakened citizens’ ability to hold leaders accountable. That must change.
There are reports that the ADC and other opposition groups may work together ahead of 2027. Do you see that happening?
Politics is dynamic, and anything is possible. Discussions may be ongoing among party leaders. The ruling party currently controls many levers of power, including influence across institutions. Therefore, opposition parties must find common ground and collaborate where necessary in order to strengthen democracy and provide Nigerians with credible alternatives.
The essence of democracy is freedom of association, healthy competition, and accountability to the people.
What is your position on zoning?
My personal belief is that governments exist to improve the lives of citizens , to provide jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, security, and economic opportunities.
When a pregnant woman is struggling to access medical care, or a young graduate is unemployed, zoning does not solve those immediate problems. Leadership should focus on competence, vision, and service delivery.
I believe Nigeria should focus on choosing the best and brightest people capable of governing effectively, regardless of ethnicity or region. Leaders must govern fairly and without discrimination. Public office is a sacred trust. Unfortunately, social media and divisive politics have intensified ethnic and regional sentiments. But I believe Nigerians ultimately want good governance, security, prosperity, and opportunity.