The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has raised concerns over alleged malpractices in the party’s presidential primary election, saying the process fell short of transparency and fairness.
Speaking after voting in his ward in Borno State, Hayatu-Deen said he received reports of irregularities from delegates and stakeholders across several states, adding that he had also received multiple calls urging him to step down for an unnamed candidate.
He said the complaints undermined confidence in the credibility of the exercise and called on the party leadership to urgently address the issues to protect the ADC’s image ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hayatu-Deen, a former PDP presidential aspirant, joined the ADC in August 2025 and picked the party’s presidential nomination form in September. He had earlier stated that he would not step down unless the process was transparent.
“Today is a momentous day because the ADC presidential primaries are still ongoing. I am just coming from my ward; the atmosphere is peaceful and the people assured me they would vote massively for my candidature,” he said.
“However, I would like to bring to the attention of the entire country certain malpractices that are ugly and disturbing. I have received a number of phone calls from people asking me to step down for a particular candidate. My candidature is said to be causing problems in the party.”
He insisted that the election should be free, fair and transparent, adding that qualified aspirants had the right to contest for any office.
Hayatu-Deen also alleged that in some locations, including Kaduna State, voters were informed that consensus had been reached and that he had stepped down, even before voting commenced.
In Zaria, he claimed that supporters were allegedly denied the opportunity to vote as at 5pm, describing the situation as unfair.
He further alleged that in southern Borno, while voting took place peacefully, electoral officers failed to properly collate results and instead left with result sheets.
According to him, such actions amounted to manipulation of the process, which he described as unacceptable.
He urged the party to investigate the allegations, warning that the credibility of the ADC could be undermined if the issues were not addressed.
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