By Ayomide Otitoju
Former presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing concerns over insecurity, economic hardship, and what he described as a shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hayatu-Deen said his decision was driven by the need to align with a political platform capable of delivering meaningful change, noting that the country faces fundamental challenges that remain largely unaddressed.
He recalled that his entry into politics in 2022, when he contested as a PDP presidential aspirant, was motivated by a desire to contribute to national development, but added that the expectations of many Nigerians had since been met with disappointment.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly seeking a credible alternative focused on tackling insecurity, reducing the rising cost of living, and creating employment opportunities.
Hayatu-Deen also raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that space for opposition and dissent was narrowing, with institutions under strain and voices being stifled.
He pledged his commitment to the ADC, vowing to work towards the party’s success in the 2027 general elections and to support efforts aimed at delivering improved governance.
Hayatu-Deen, a former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, had contested for the PDP presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 elections but later withdrew, citing concerns over the monetisation of the process.
