Presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has urged the party to avoid repeating what he described as “old-style politics” as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Hayatu-Deen made the remarks on Thursday during a youth town hall meeting in Abuja, held ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for May 25.
He argued that Nigeria’s opposition politics must move away from recycled leadership patterns if it hopes to successfully challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the ADC needs a fresh and credible candidate capable of winning broad national support.
“The only way to defeat APC is with a fresh candidate. I carry no baggage and owe no allegiance to political godfathers,” he said.
He added that the 2027 election should mark a turning point for a new generation of Nigerians seeking to break away from what he called years of failed leadership and unfulfilled promises.
Addressing young participants at the event, Hayatu-Deen blamed decades of poor governance for Nigeria’s worsening unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship.
He stressed that leadership failure, rather than lack of talent among youths, was responsible for the country’s challenges.
“The problem has never been Nigeria’s young people. The problem has been leadership that failed to plan, invest, and address the hardship confronting ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
He further noted that Nigeria’s large youth population—over two-thirds of citizens under the age of 35—makes them central to the country’s future political and economic direction.
Hayatu-Deen also highlighted concerns over education and joblessness, claiming that more than 18 million children remain out of school, while many graduates struggle to find employment.
He outlined policy proposals focused on job creation, security, and poverty reduction, including a proposal for 100 days of public work annually for low-income Nigerians and tax incentives for companies that employ NIN-verified workers from vulnerable communities.
“Jobs are not only economic policy; they are also security policy. Every employed young Nigerian reduces recruitment into crime, banditry, extremism, and violence,” he added.
