A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has called on opposition leaders to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that division could weaken their chances of challenging the ruling party.
Hayatu-Deen made the appeal on Saturday at a national opposition summit held in Ibadan and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a statement issued by his media office, the aspirant said Nigeria was at a critical point and required a coordinated response from opposition forces.
“Nigeria is at a defining moment. The deepening insecurity, the crushing cost of living and the steady erosion of democratic space demand a collective response. This is not about personal ambition, it is about national rescue,” he said.
The meeting brought together key political figures across party lines, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Hayatu-Deen warned that continued fragmentation among opposition parties would only strengthen the existing political order and prolong hardship for Nigerians.
“If we continue to operate in silos, we risk reinforcing the status quo and leaving citizens to bear the consequences,” he said.
He urged political actors to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate what he described as “real sacrifice, collaboration and shared national purpose.”
According to him, the 2027 elections present a significant opportunity to reshape the country’s direction, but only if opposition leaders prioritise national interest above personal and party considerations.
“Nigerians are looking for leadership that is empathetic, unifying and capable of delivering real change. That responsibility rests on all of us in the opposition to rise to the occasion,” he added.
The statement noted that Hayatu-Deen also held consultations with key stakeholders at the summit, including Jerry Gana of the Peoples Democratic Party and Kashim Imam.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working within the ADC and across party lines to build a broad coalition focused on improving security, stabilising the economy and restoring confidence in democratic governance.