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

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Hayatu-Deen. Photo credit: Channels TV

Former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has ruled out a legal challenge to the outcome of the party’s May 25, 2026, presidential primary, despite alleging widespread irregularities and procedural breaches during the exercise. In a post-primary statement released on Monday and titled “My campaign, the silent majority and the future of our democracy,” Hayatu-Deen said he had chosen party unity and the broader goal of building a credible opposition over personal political ambition. His decision comes days after he dramatically distanced himself from the primary process by boycotting the announcement of the election results, citing reports of vote manipulation and concerns over the integrity of the exercise. In a statement posted on his social media platforms on May 26, before the commencement of result collation, Hayatu-Deen had declared, “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.” Questioning the party’s commitment to the democratic principles it advocates nationally, he added, “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.” The remarks immediately fuelled speculation that the former presidential hopeful could seek legal redress or formally challenge the outcome of the primary. However, in his latest statement, Hayatu-Deen said he had reached a different conclusion after consultations with supporters and stakeholders. “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 said. While stopping short of providing specific details of the alleged irregularities, Hayatu-Deen maintained that the conduct of the primary failed to meet his expectations and said he had privately communicated his concerns to the leadership of the party. “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,” he stated. “I trust that those concerns will be reviewed in the