Former Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has defected to the African Democratic Congress, citing urgent national concerns and shifting political realities. In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, he pointed to worsening insecurity, rising living costs, and a shrinking democratic space. Hayatu-Deen pledged to campaign actively for ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who contested the 2022 PDP presidential primaries, announced his defection in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
He linked the move to "worsening insecurity, rising living costs, and what he described as a shrinking democratic space."
Hayatu-Deen said national challenges compelled him to seek a credible alternative focused on security, economic stability, and job creation.
He cautioned that democratic institutions were under strain, with the space for genuine opposition narrowing, and that Nigerians deserved real political choices.
Reflecting on his political journey, Hayatu-Deen noted his 2022 ambition was driven by hope, but Nigerians had faced disappointment and unfulfilled promises.
He expressed concern about the shrinking of civic space, stressing that democracy must provide genuine options.
Hayatu-Deen vowed to deploy his decades of experience in business, economic reform, and philanthropy to support job creation and a more prosperous Nigeria.
He pledged to campaign actively with ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.