BREAKING: Hayatu-Deen Withdraws from ADC Presidential Primary Process [DETAILS]

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, one of the three contenders for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, has withdrawn from the ongoing selection process, citing alleged irregularities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen said reports of widespread vote rigging from various parts of the country had raised serious concerns about the credibility of the exercise.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps,” he said.

His withdrawal comes amid a keenly contested race for the ADC ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen himself.

The party had earlier maintained that its primary process was transparent and democratically conducted.

Hayatu-Deen’s decision to stay away from the results announcement is expected to heighten tensions within the opposition party as collation continues nationwide.

Meanwhile, arrangements for the declaration of results have been completed in Abuja, with the venue fully set for the exercise.

Atiku, who is currently leading the race, has reportedly won in at least five states as of the time of filing this report.