I Won’t Contest Outcome Of ADC Primaries In Court – Hayatu-Deen

Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has announced that he will not challenge the outcome of the party’s May 25, 2026 presidential primary election in court, despite raising concerns over alleged irregularities and procedural shortcomings during the exercise.

In a post-primary statement titled “My Campaign, The Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,” Hayatu-Deen said he had carefully reflected on the events surrounding the primary and concluded that preserving opposition unity was more important than pursuing legal action.

The former presidential hopeful had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with reports of widespread vote manipulation during the primary process. In a statement posted on his social media platforms before the announcement of the results on May 26, he questioned what he described as contradictions between the ADC’s criticism of electoral malpractice and the alleged irregularities witnessed within its own internal processes.

However, in his latest statement, Hayatu-Deen revealed that after extensive consultations, he had decided against contesting the outcome in court.

“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 stated.

Hayatu-Deen explained that his decision was guided by a broader commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a credible alternative political movement capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Reflecting on his political journey, he recalled entering partisan politics in 2022 when he sought the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said the experience shaped his expectations and informed his decision to join the ADC, which he believed offered an opportunity to build a principled opposition rooted in integrity, internal democracy and national renewal.

Throughout the campaign, Hayatu-Deen said he encountered what he described as Nigeria’s “silent majority” — citizens who continue to believe in competent, visionary and selfless leadership despite prevailing national challenges.

According to him, these Nigerians are united by aspirations for a safer society, improved quality of life, fairness, equity and compassionate governance.

While acknowledging disappointment with aspects of the primary process, he disclosed that his concerns had been communicated privately to the party leadership, expressing hope that they would be addressed in the spirit of strengthening the party’s democratic credentials.

He also expressed gratitude to supporters, volunteers, donors, professionals, students, artisans and party faithful across the country for their commitment throughout the campaign.

“What I will carry forward from this campaign is not bitterness, but gratitude,” he said, urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the possibility of positive change.

Hayatu-Deen encouraged citizens to remain committed to the ideals of equity, inclusion, discipline, competence and national renewal, stressing that meaningful transformation often begins quietly before becoming visible.

He concluded by reminding supporters that although his presidential campaign had ended, the broader mission of building “a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Nigeria” remains ongoing.

“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,” he said.