I won’t challenge outcome of ADC presidential primaries - Hayatu-Deen

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who sought the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced he will not legally challenge the outcome of the party's May 25 primary election. This decision comes despite his allegations of widespread irregularities and procedural breaches during the exercise.

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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.

In a statement titled “My campaign, the silent majority and the future of our democracy,” Hayatu-Deen explained that he has chosen party unity and the broader objective of building a credible opposition over his personal political ambitions. His stance follows his dramatic withdrawal from the primary's results announcement ceremony, where he cited reports of vote manipulation and concerns about the integrity of the process.

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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.

Previously, on May 26, before the collation of results, Hayatu-Deen had declared on social media, "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." He questioned the party's commitment to democratic principles, asking, "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." These remarks had fueled speculation about potential legal action or a formal challenge to the primary's outcome.

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I have decided, after careful reflection and wide consultation, that I will not challenge the outcome in court. Nigeria urgently requires a strong, credible and united opposition. That objective must always remain larger than individual ambition or temporary political disappointment.

However, in his latest statement, Hayatu-Deen revealed that after consulting with supporters and stakeholders, he reached a different conclusion. "I have decided, after careful reflection and wide consultation, that I will not challenge the outcome in court. Nigeria urgently requires a strong, credible and united opposition. That objective must always remain larger than individual ambition or temporary political disappointment," he stated. While not detailing the alleged irregularities, Hayatu-Deen maintained that the primary's conduct fell short of his expectations and that he had privately communicated his concerns to the party leadership, trusting they would be reviewed for improvement.

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The outcome of the May 25 primary did not fully meet my expectations, and I have communicated my deep concerns about certain processes and procedural matters directly and privately to the leadership of the party.