Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-West have endorsed presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for Monday.
The stakeholders described Hayatu-Deen as the most competent aspirant to lead Nigeria out of its current economic and governance challenges.
The endorsement was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Leader of the ADC South-West Professionals Forum, Babajide Dosunmu, after consultations with party stakeholders, youth groups, professionals and mobilisers across the region.
According to the group, the decision to back Hayatu-Deen was informed by the need for credible and competent leadership at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and declining investor confidence.
Dosunmu said the South-West had always been known for progressive politics, economic reform and accountable governance.
He stated that Hayatu-Deen’s background in banking, economic management and public policy placed him ahead of other aspirants seeking the party’s presidential ticket.
He said, “The South-West has always stood for progressive politics, competence in governance, intellectual depth and economic transformation.
“After extensive engagement and consultations, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen represents the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment.”
The forum added that the country needed a leader with a practical understanding of economic management, institutional reforms and national development.
Nigeria Can No Longer Afford Experimental Leadership
The stakeholders said Nigeria could no longer afford what they described as experimental leadership, political theatrics or recycled governance failures.
They noted that the country’s current challenges required a serious-minded leader with proven competence and discipline.
The group stated, “At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, when businesses are collapsing, when young people are losing hope, and when insecurity continues to threaten national stability, Nigeria needs a leader with proven competence, discipline and a serious understanding of how economies function.”
Earlier, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries, urged party delegates to vote for a competent and experienced candidate capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges and institutional decline.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Atiku made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, May 24, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, highlighting challenges bedevilling Nigeria.
Atiku said the choice before the ADC delegates goes beyond politics, stressing that Nigeria’s current challenges require tested leadership with executive experience, economic understanding and national appeal.
According to the former presidential candidate, the primaries are not a season for political experimentation because Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency.
However, the South-West stakeholders have said that Hayatu-Deen has the experience and temperament needed to provide the ADC with a strong platform heading into the 2027 general election.
The group also commended Hayatu-Deen’s conduct during the party’s primary process, particularly his call for all aspirants to publicly commit themselves to the ADC’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, popularly known as The Orange Book.
Dosunmu said the aspirant had shown integrity and issue-based engagement during the build-up to the primary.
He said, “In a political culture where many seek power without accountability, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has distinguished himself through integrity, issue-based engagement and a clear commitment to values-driven leadership.
“Character matters. Integrity matters. Leadership matters.”
Stakeholders Urge Delegates To Back Hayatu-Deen
The forum urged delegates participating in Monday’s presidential primary to support Hayatu-Deen, saying the party had an opportunity to present Nigerians with a credible and nationally competitive alternative.
The stakeholders said the primary should not be seen merely as a contest among aspirants, but as a decision that could shape the future of the ADC and Nigeria.
They said, “The decision before delegates on Monday is bigger than personalities. It is about the future of our party and the future of Nigeria.
“We believe Mohammed Hayatu-Deen gives the ADC its strongest opportunity to inspire confidence among Nigerians and present a serious national alternative capable of winning and governing effectively.”