A presidential hopeful on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has said Nigeria urgently needs empathetic leadership capable of addressing widespread hardship, insecurity, and economic decline.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Hayatu-Deen said his decision to seek the presidency was driven by the worsening conditions faced by ordinary Nigerians, stressing that leadership must reflect the realities of the people.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads,” he said. “At such moments, nations do not drift; they choose whether to move forward or slide into decline.”
He painted a grim picture of the current situation, noting that rising food and fuel prices have made daily survival difficult for millions.
“For many families, getting through the day has become a test of endurance rather than a pursuit of opportunity,” he stated.
The former banker also raised alarm over insecurity, citing recent incidents in the North-East.
“Only this week, we saw insurgents take hundreds of hostages in Borno. When it cuts this close to home, it reminds us that every Nigerian life matters,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians are now “poorer and less secure than they were three years ago,” blaming what he described as poorly implemented economic reforms and a lack of strategic sequencing.
“This is not the Nigeria we were promised, and it must not be the Nigeria we accept,” he added.
Hayatu-Deen said his ambition is anchored on restoring confidence in governance through disciplined leadership and practical solutions.
“We need a new course—one based on clarity, accountability, and leadership that puts Nigerians first,” he said.
Drawing from over four decades of experience, he highlighted his background in turning around struggling institutions and implementing reforms that created jobs and expanded opportunities.
“Leadership is not a title; it is a responsibility to solve problems, build institutions, and improve lives,” he noted.
He also stressed the importance of unity, saying Nigeria requires leadership that can bring people together across ethnic, religious, and regional divides.
“Nigerians are tired of promises made loudly and broken quietly,” he said.
Responding to questions, Hayatu-Deen elaborated on his leadership style, describing it as people-centred and empathetic.
“Every morning, I see millions of Nigerians living in poverty. You must first understand their pain before you can lead effectively.
“I will be an empathetic leader, one who constantly measures the pulse of the majority and works to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to embrace a new direction, expressing confidence that with the right leadership, the country can overcome its current challenges.
“Nigeria can work again, and together, we can make it happen,” he said.
Recall that Hayatu-Deen was a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (2022) but suddenly withdrew from the race, accusing aspirants and the party of monetizing the process.
He however, expressed confidence that such a situation will not occur in the ADC, arguing that with the removal of indirect primaries in the Electoral Act coupled with a very tight schedule of activities by political parties in order to meet up with the deadline announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the party might adopt consensus.
