Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has announced that he will not challenge the outcome of the African Democratic Congress presidential primary held on May 25, 2026, despite earlier raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the process.

Hayatu-Deen contested the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The businessman and politician had previously boycotted the collation of results, alleging widespread irregularities during the exercise.

“How can the ADC criticise INEC for election interference and the falsification of results, and yet tolerate the same within its own house?” he had asked at the time, while indicating he would consider possible next steps.

However, following a closed-door reconciliation meeting with Atiku in Lagos on Sunday, Hayatu-Deen said he had decided against pursuing legal action.

In a statement titled “My Campaign, The Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,” he described his campaign as a movement driven by Nigerians seeking equity, competence, integrity and national renewal.

While expressing disappointment with aspects of the primary process, he said the need for a strong and united opposition was more important than personal political ambition.

“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 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.”

Hayatu-Deen also urged Nigerians and his supporters not to lose hope in the country’s future despite current political and economic challenges.

“What moved me most throughout this journey was the profound connection many Nigerians had to the values we tried to represent: equity, inclusion, discipline, competence, integrity and national renewal,” he said.

“Please do not stop believing. Do not surrender your hope to cynicism. Do not accept dysfunction as normal. And do not stop believing in the possibility of a better nation.”

He further expressed appreciation to volunteers, party members, donors, students, artisans, women groups and supporters across the country for their support throughout the campaign.