ADC hopeful HayatuDeen declines challenge, backs unity

A former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed HayatuDeen, has announced he will not legally challenge the outcome of the party’s recent presidential primary, prioritizing party unity over a formal dispute despite his allegations of irregularities. HayatuDeen made the decision public in a statement on Monday, following days of speculation after he boycotted the result announcement on May 26.

HayatuDeen had initially distanced himself from the collation process, citing reports of widespread vote rigging that he said he personally observed. He questioned the party's commitment to democratic principles, asking how it could criticize national election authorities for interference while allegedly tolerating similar issues internally. At the time, he indicated he was considering his next steps.

However, after what he described as careful reflection and wide consultation, HayatuDeen stated that the need for a strong and united opposition in Nigeria outweighs personal ambition. He said he has chosen not to challenge the result in court. While maintaining that the conduct of the May 25 primary did not fully meet his expectations, he noted he has communicated...