Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-West have thrown their weight behind the presidential ambition of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for Monday.
The endorsement was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by Babajide Dosunmu, following consultations with party stakeholders, youth leaders, professionals, and grassroots mobilisers across the region.
According to the group, Hayatu-Deen emerged as the preferred choice because of his perceived competence and capacity to tackle Nigeria’s worsening economic and governance challenges.
Dosunmu said the decision was informed by concerns that Nigeria could no longer afford what he described as “experimental leadership, political theatrics, or recycled governance failures”.
“The South West has always stood for progressive politics, competence in governance, intellectual depth, and economic transformation. After extensive engagement and consultations, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen represents the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment,” he stated.
The forum noted that Hayatu-Deen’s experience in banking, economic management, public policy, and institutional leadership places him in a strong position to address pressing national issues, including economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, and declining investor confidence.
The statement stressed that Nigeria requires disciplined and experienced leadership capable of restoring confidence in governance and reviving the economy.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, when businesses are collapsing, when young people are losing hope, and when insecurity continues to threaten national stability, Nigeria needs a leader with proven competence, discipline, and a serious understanding of how economies function. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen possesses those qualities,” the statement added.
The group also commended Hayatu-Deen’s approach during the party’s primary process, particularly his appeal to aspirants to commit to the ADC’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, known as “The Orange Book.”
Dosunmu described the aspirant as a politician distinguished by integrity, accountability, and issue-based engagement, adding that values-driven leadership remained critical to Nigeria’s future.
“In a political culture where many seek power without accountability, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has distinguished himself through integrity, issue-based engagement, and a clear commitment to values-driven leadership. That matters. Character matters. Integrity matters. Leadership matters,” he said.
The stakeholders urged delegates participating in Monday’s primaries to support Hayatu-Deen, arguing that the ADC has an opportunity to present Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They maintained that the choice before delegates would shape both the future of the party and the country’s political direction.
