A former presidential aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has rejected the outcome of the party’s presidential primary, insisting alleged widespread irregularities during the exercise.

The aspirant reiterated his earlier position few hours after the party’s presidential candidate and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar visited him to strike a peace deal.

However, Hayatu-Deen said he was not going to challenge the exercise in court.

In a statement titled: “My Campaign, the Silent Majority, and the Future of Our Democracy,” Hayatu-Deen said his decision followed “careful reflection and wide consultation,” adding that while he remains dissatisfied with the process, he would not pursue legal action in the interest of opposition unity.

He said, “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.”

The former aspirant, however, alleged that the primary was marred by irregularities, including reports of vote manipulation, which he said undermined confidence in the internal democratic process of the party.

He maintained that his earlier concerns, including observations made during the collation process, reflected deeper structural challenges within the ADC’s internal electoral system.

Hayatu-Deen had earlier, on May 26, issued a public statement declining to attend the announcement of the primary results, where he alleged widespread vote rigging within the party.

He stated at the time, “I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed.”

Despite his reservations, Hayatu-Deen said he had chosen not to contest the outcome in court, stressing the need for a united opposition ahead of future political engagements.

In a significant post-primary development, he disclosed that the winner of the ADC presidential ticket, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, personally visited him in an effort to promote reconciliation and internal peace within the party.

However, Hayatu-Deen reportedly reiterated his position during the meeting, insisting that the process that produced the result was flawed and did not reflect the standards of internal democracy the party ought to uphold.

While acknowledging the peace effort, he maintained that his concerns over the conduct of the primary remained unchanged.

“Nigeria urgently requires a strong, credible and united opposition. That objective must always remain larger than individual ambition or temporary political disappointment,” he said, explaining his decision not to go to court.

He also reflected on his campaign experience, describing it as an engagement with what he called the “silent majority” of Nigerians who desire integrity-driven leadership, fairness, and national renewal.

“Everywhere I went, I encountered what I have come to describe as the silent majority Nigerians who still believe that integrity matters, and that leadership must be anchored on service,” he said.

Hayatu-Deen thanked his supporters and campaign team for their efforts, urging them not to lose hope in Nigeria’s democratic future. (The Nation)