Hayatu-Deen Dumps PDP for ADC, Cites Insecurity, Economic Crisis and “Shrinking Democratic Space”

Former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move he says is driven by worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and what he describes as a declining democratic environment in Nigeria.

Hayatu-Deen, who contested the PDP presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 elections before withdrawing, announced his defection in a statement on Sunday, saying his decision was guided by a desire to support a platform capable of driving meaningful national change.

He said Nigeria is facing deep structural challenges that are being ignored, pointing to rising insecurity, unemployment, and the high cost of living as urgent issues demanding immediate political attention.

According to him, his entry into politics in 2022 was originally motivated by a belief in a more open democratic system, but he now believes that expectations have not been met.

The former banker stated that many Nigerians continue to express frustration over economic pressure and lack of security, adding that citizens are increasingly demanding a government focused on practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.

He also warned that Nigeria’s democratic space is becoming constrained, alleging that opposition voices are being weakened and institutions placed under strain.

Hayatu-Deen said the trend poses a serious risk to democratic choice, insisting that Nigerians deserve credible alternatives capable of offering real solutions to national problems.

Describing the ADC as a “vehicle for change,” he pledged full commitment to the party and said he would actively campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections to support its growth and electoral success.

The former Nigerian Economic Summit Group chairman had previously stepped down from the PDP presidential primary race in 2022, citing concerns over the monetisation of the selection process, a decision that drew national attention at the time.