Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has confirmed he will not go to court to challenge the outcome of the party’s presidential primary.
Hayatu-Deen had alleged widespread irregularities and procedural breaches during the exercise.
In a post-primary statement released on Monday and titled “My campaign, the silent majority and the future of our democracy,” Hayatu-Deen said he had chosen party unity and the broader goal of building a credible opposition over personal political ambition.
His decision comes days after he dramatically distanced himself from the primary process by boycotting the announcement of the election results, citing reports of vote manipulation and concerns over the integrity of the exercise.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms on May 26, before the commencement of result collation, Hayatu-Deen had declared, “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.”
Questioning the party’s commitment to the democratic principles it advocates nationally, he added, “How can the ADC criticise INEC for election interference and the falsification of results, and yet tolerate the same within its own house? I will therefore be taking advice on my next steps.”
The remarks immediately fuelled speculation that the former presidential hopeful could seek legal redress or formally challenge the outcome of the primary.
