ADC presidential primary: I won’t challenge outcome in court – Hayatu-Deen 

Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has announced that he will not challenge the outcome of the party’s May 25, 2026 presidential primary in court despite raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the exercise.

Hayatu-Deen made the declaration in a statement issued on Monday, days after questioning the credibility of the primary process where he alleged widespread vote manipulation.

Before the announcement of the primary results on May 26, Hayatu-Deen had publicly distanced himself from the collation process, citing reports of vote rigging.

“I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed. 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 stated.

However, in his latest statement, the former presidential hopeful said he has decided against seeking legal redress after consultations.

“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.

He noted that while the outcome of the primary did not meet his expectations, he had communicated his concerns over “certain processes and procedural matters” directly to the party leadership.

“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 said.

He expressed hope that the concerns would be reviewed, arguing that any party aspiring to govern Nigeria must demonstrate democratic integrity within its own ranks.

The former presidential aspirant also thanked his supporters and campaign team for their commitment throughout the contest and urged Nigerians not to abandon hope for a better future.

“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 said.

Hayatu-Deen added that although his campaign had ended, the broader task of building “a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Nigeria” remains a collective responsibility.