Former banker and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has officially entered the 2027 presidential contest after obtaining the ADC presidential form at the national headquarters of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja. The move places the former Nigerian Economic Summit Group chairman among the early aspirants seeking the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the next general election.
The development comes as political parties continue consultations and internal preparations ahead of the 2027 elections. The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has recently attracted increased political attention following ongoing coalition discussions and renewed efforts to strengthen opposition participation in national politics.
The acquisition of the ADC presidential form follows recent endorsements from support groups within the party, including the ADC Vanguard Support Group, which publicly backed Hayatu-Deen’s ambition and described him as a credible candidate with experience in economic management and institutional leadership.
Hayatu-Deen previously served as chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and has held senior positions in the banking and financial sector over several decades.
Speaking after obtaining the ADC presidential form, Hayatu-Deen said the party leadership should determine the process for selecting its presidential candidate, stressing that he would abide by the party’s rules and internal procedures.
He stated: “I have made it clear in a number of places that our leadership is strong. It is vigorous, it is wise and it exercises sound judgment. And we follow the rules in this party to the letter.”
He further said: “It is left to the leadership of the party to determine how it is going to carry out this particular election, either through direct primaries or through consensus. I am here to pick up the nomination form to contest for the office of the president on the platform of ADC, and I have picked it up.”
The ADC presidential form was presented at the party’s headquarters in Abuja in the presence of party officials and supporters. Party stakeholders said the development reflects increasing interest in the ADC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The ADC Vanguard Support Group had earlier endorsed Hayatu-Deen’s ambition, citing his background in finance, governance, and economic policy. The group also stated that his campaign structure had already established mobilisation networks and operational offices ahead of the party’s primary process.
Hayatu-Deen’s formal entry into the race adds to growing political activity ahead of the next general election. Analysts say the acquisition of the ADC presidential form may further intensify competition within the party as more aspirants are expected to emerge in the coming months.
The development also highlights ongoing conversations around internal democracy, consensus candidacy, and party reforms within opposition parties preparing for the 2027 elections.
