ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, on Wednesday dismissed zoning politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that Nigeria urgently needs competent and visionary leadership capable of uniting the country and tackling its worsening economic and security crises.
Hayatu-Deen, who formally submitted his nomination forms at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja, declared that competence, capacity and national unity should take precedence over ethnic or regional considerations in deciding Nigeria’s next president.
The ADC chieftain also expressed readiness for the party’s presidential primary, vowing to run an issue-based campaign centred on insecurity, inflation, hunger, poverty, rising living costs and the growing population of out-of-school children.
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Speaking shortly after submitting his forms, Hayatu-Deen said the party leadership would determine the most suitable primary model in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
“As far as the model of primaries is concerned, it’s firmly entrenched in the Electoral Act. The party leadership will decide what model of primaries will best suit the needs of ADC in order for it to win this election hands down,” he said.
The presidential hopeful argued that Nigeria’s current realities demand leadership anchored on competence rather than zoning arrangements or regional sentiments.
“The 230 million people deserve a leader who is a unifier, not a divider, who is very competent, who understands this country, its opportunities and problems, and who also understands what the world is all about and Nigeria’s place in it,” Hayatu-Deen stated.
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He lamented the deepening socio-economic hardship across the country, citing soaring inflation, widespread poverty, hunger, insecurity and deteriorating public services as urgent issues requiring immediate intervention.
“We face enormous problems in this country pertaining to high inflation, cost of living, hunger, poverty and disease. Children are out of school, health facilities are dilapidated and insecurity has become enormous,” he said.
According to him, his ambition is driven by a desire to restore stability and improve living conditions for Nigerians.
“If I’m lucky to get the nomination and go on to contest this election, I’ll wage a campaign focused on alleviating poverty, eliminating insecurity, reducing the cost of living and putting our children back in school,” he added.
Hayatu-Deen further stressed that anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria must see themselves first as a Nigerian leader rather than a representative of any ethnic, religious or regional bloc.
“Competence is exceptional at this point in time because anybody seeking the office of president is going there as a quintessential Nigerian, not because I come from Borno or from Imo or Anambra.
“Once you put your hands on the Koran or the Bible, you are taking an oath to work for all Nigerians, regardless of where they come from or their background,” he said.
The ADC aspirant also expressed confidence in his chances of emerging victorious both at the party primary and the general election.
“I can tell you with full confidence that I’m fully prepared to contest this election. I’m confident that I will win this campaign and win the election. That’s why I’m here,” he said.