Reowned economist and 2022 presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has formally declared his intention to contest for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television on Tuesday night, Hayatu-Deen said the current moment demands leadership that understands the hardship Nigerians are facing and possesses the experience to address it.
He highlighted the worsening cost of living as a central concern, noting that "food prices keep going up, petrol prices keep rising, and for many Nigerians, just getting through the day has become a struggle."
The former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) also raised alarm over deteriorating security conditions, arguing that national priorities have shifted in troubling ways.
According to him, “the country now spends more on ransoms than on properly equipping its security forces,” even as the naira continues to weaken against other African currencies.
Declaring his ambition, he stated, “This is not the Nigeria we deserve. It is time to change course, and that is why I am stepping forward to seek the ADC presidential ticket.”
Hayatu-Deen’s entry adds momentum to the ADC’s emergence as a potential coalition platform for opposition figures, joining a competitive field that includes Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi.
In a statement he personally signed, he said his decision was driven by growing hardship across the country and the urgent need for experienced leadership to stabilise Nigeria.
He criticised what he described as a disconnect between the government and citizens, saying, “For too long, this government has looked away while Nigerians bear the burden of bad policies and rising insecurity. We cannot continue like this.”
Positioning himself as a steady alternative, Hayatu-Deen pledged to focus on economic stabilisation, improved security and rebuilding trust in public institutions, adding, “Nigeria needs a calm and steady leader, someone who understands how to fix systems, create jobs, and secure lives and livelihoods. That is the leadership I offer.”
