Former banker and economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has formally entered the 2027 presidential race under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledging to tackle insecurity and stabilise Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Hayatu-Deen on Thursday night picked the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja, becoming the first aspirant to do so ahead of the party’s May 23 presidential primary.
His arrival at the secretariat drew a large crowd of supporters, signalling early momentum around his candidacy as party members rallied behind calls for security, job creation and relief from rising living costs.
Speaking after receiving the forms from the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, Hayatu-Deen framed his ambition around what he described as Nigeria’s urgent need to restore safety and rebuild economic confidence.
“Nigerians are tired of living in fear. They are tired of watching businesses struggle, jobs disappear, and the cost of basic necessities rise beyond what ordinary people can afford,” he said.
He stressed that insecurity remains a central barrier to economic growth, warning that agriculture, commerce and investment cannot thrive in an environment marked by fear and instability.
“We cannot build prosperity in an atmosphere of fear. Security is the foundation of every strong economy,” he added.
The presidential aspirant also outlined plans to lower the cost of doing business, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and expand opportunities for young Nigerians, positioning economic recovery as a core pillar of his campaign.
Drawing on his private sector background, Hayatu-Deen said his experience in supporting business growth and job creation would guide his approach to governance.
“Nigeria has the potential to succeed, but it requires disciplined leadership and effective execution,” he said.
On the party’s primary process, he expressed confidence in the ADC leadership, noting that he would abide by whatever mode of selection—direct primary or consensus—is adopted.
“It is left to the leadership of the party to determine how the primary will be conducted. We will follow the rules,” he stated.
Party stakeholders at the event described his entry into the race as a significant development for the ADC, citing his professional background and appeal among younger voters and the business community.
With his formal declaration, attention is expected to shift to how the ADC consolidates its position ahead of the 2027 elections, as aspirants begin to outline competing visions for addressing Nigeria’s deepening security and economic challenges.
