Hayatu-Deen Rules Out Legal Challenge After Meeting Atiku, Urges United Opposition

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced he will not pursue a legal challenge against the party's primary election results. This decision follows a closed-door meeting with Atiku Abubakar, another prominent figure in the opposition.

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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.

Hayatu-Deen had previously voiced concerns about alleged vote rigging and procedural issues during the May 25 primaries. He had stated his intention to seek advice on his next steps, questioning how the ADC could criticize electoral irregularities while tolerating them internally.

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How can the ADC criticise INEC for election interference and the falsification of results, and yet tolerate the same within its own house? I will therefore be taking advice on my next steps.

Despite his disappointment with the primary's conduct, Hayatu-Deen emphasized the greater importance of a strong, unified opposition. He described his campaign as a movement inspired by Nigeria's "silent majority," who he believes still desire competent and visionary leadership. He thanked his supporters nationwide and called for continued dedication to building a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.

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This campaign may have come to an end, but the larger task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Nigeria continues. And that cause remains worthy of our collective effort.