Renowned economist and banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has declared his intention to contest for this year’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.
Hayatu-Deen who joined ADC two weeks ago from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made his presidential declaration in a television interview on Tuesday night.
“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,” he told his interviewer.
The former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FSB International Bank Plc., contested the PDP ticket in 2022 but later withdrew, citing monitisation of the process.
He said in the television interview that Nigeria at the moment calls for leadership that understands the pain Nigerians are passing through everyday, and said he has the experience to fix it.
The aspirant raised concerns about worsening insecurity in the country, and expressed worry that the country now spends more on ransoms than on equipping its security forces properly.
Hayatu-Deen criticised what he described as a disconnect between the government and ordinary Nigerians, saying that while families and businesses are under pressure, those in power have failed to respond with urgency.
“For too long, this government has looked away while Nigerians bear the burden of bad policies and rising insecurity,” he said, adding, “We cannot continue like this.”
He pledged to present a practical and credible alternative, focused on stabilising the economy, restoring security, and rebuilding trust in public institutions.
“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,” he said.
He called on ADC members to support his aspiration, emphasising that unity within the party would be critical to winning in 2027.
“Our strength lies in our unity. Nigerians are looking for a credible alternative, and the ADC must rise to that moment.
“Together, we can offer a real path forward, one that secures our country, grows our economy, and restores hope to our people,” he added.
