Ex-PDP presidential aspirant Hayatu-Deen defects to ADC, cites insecurity and democratic decline

Former PDP presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and what he describes as a shrinking democratic space in Nigeria. Hayatu-Deen announced his switch in a statement issued on Sunday, saying he sought a political platform capable of delivering meaningful change for Nigerians facing fundamental problems.

He recalled that his initial entry into politics in 2022, when he contested as a PDP presidential aspirant, was motivated by a desire to contribute to national development during what he described as a "wide-open democratic space." However, he noted that Nigerians' expectations have since been met with "bitter disappointment" regarding insecurity, rising cost of living, and unemployment.

Hayatu-Deen warned that the space for opposition and dissent is narrowing, with voices being stifled and institutions under strain. He pledged his commitment to the ADC, stating he would campaign relentlessly as a party member from this day until the 2027 general elections to help the party win and deliver the better future Nigeria desperately deserves.

This defection highlights growing dissatisfaction among Nigeria's political elite with the two major parties and signals potential opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Hayatu-Deen, who previously withdrew from the PDP presidential race ahead of 2023 citing concerns about monetization of the process, brings his experience as former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group to the ADC.

Will this high-profile defection strengthen the ADC as a viable third force in Nigerian politics, or will it primarily reflect the growing fragmentation of Nigeria's opposition landscape as voters seek alternatives to the dominant parties?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/12/ex-presidential-aspirant-hayatu-deen-dumps-pdp-for-adc/