ADC race heats up as Hayatu-Deen signals imminent declaration of intent

As the contest for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket gathers momentum ahead of its primary, indications have emerged that former banker and ex-presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen is set to formally declare his candidacy, barring any last-minute changes.

Hayatu-Deen, who previously contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before stepping down to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, joined the ADC less than two weeks ago.

An ADC support group, Team Rebuild Nigeria, however, said the former banker brings both experience and intent to the race, describing him as a prepared contender for the party’s ticket and the presidency.

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s Convener, Ebekuo C. Ebekuo, said Hayatu-Deen stands out among aspirants, citing his background in economics, corporate leadership, and public policy, as well as roles in national economic planning.

READ ALSO; My mother would have died if I didn’t win BBNaija – Laycon

“Of all the credible Aspirants who have joined the ADC, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen stands apart, not by declaration, but by record.

“His academic foundation spans economics, corporate strategy, governance, and global leadership. He does not just understand how the world works. He has spent decades making things work within it.

“His private sector record crosses banking, manufacturing, aviation, cement, textiles, and hospitality, including leadership roles at marquee institutions such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange. These are not ceremonial positions. They are proof of the capacity to build, manage, and deliver.

“At the national level, he has shaped economic policy as Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee on Economy and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group,” he said.

The group urged him to formally enter the race, maintaining that the country requires a competent leader capable of rebuilding institutions and restoring public trust.

Ebekuo also dismissed suggestions that Hayatu-Deen was desperate for power, citing his decision to step down in favor of Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 PDP presidential primaries.

“That singular act alone proves that he’s somebody who genuinely wants Nigeria to move forward, not like other actors who are suppressing others just to find their way to Aso Rock,” he said.

He added that the group’s position does not preclude other aspirants, saying, “Whether we have Tambuwal, Amaechi, or whoever, it doesn’t stop Mohammed Hayatu-Deen from aspiring for what he wants to do for this country."

Ebekuo clarified that the group was not making a formal declaration on behalf of the aspirant but signaling early support ahead of an expected announcement.

“We are not making a declaration on his behalf… but we believe within the next 48 or 72 hours, you will hear it from him directly,” he said.

The development comes amid growing alignments within the ADC, with various blocs positioning ahead of the party’s presidential primary.

The group said Hayatu-Deen’s private-sector experience could be relevant to addressing current economic and security concerns.

It noted that Nigeria is facing a range of challenges, citing data from the Global Terrorism Index and pointing to ongoing issues such as kidnapping, banditry, poverty, out-of-school children, and malnutrition, as well as rising food prices.

It also expressed concern about the state of democratic institutions, suggesting that government actions have at times affected opposition activities.

According to Ebekuo, the next administration will face governance pressures, underscoring the need for leadership experience and capacity.