Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant under the platform of African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Wednesday declared that Nigeria requires a competent and unifying leader to address worsening economic hardship and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general election.

He made the remarks in Abuja shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the party’s primary election.

Speaking with journalists after the submission, the former banker said the country could no longer sustain divisive politics, insisting that the next president must possess the capacity to unite Nigerians and tackle the nation’s growing challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s estimated population deserves leadership driven by competence, vision and national cohesion rather than ethnic or regional considerations.

He said the country was currently grappling with severe economic and social difficulties, including inflation, rising living costs, poverty, hunger and insecurity.

Hayatu-Deen stated that his campaign would focus on practical measures aimed at reducing poverty, improving security, lowering the cost of living and expanding access to education and healthcare.

The former Managing Director of FSB International Bank Plc also pledged to pursue policies that would improve the welfare of Nigerians and create a more stable and prosperous society.

“We face enormous problems in this country, pertaining to high inflation, the cost of living, hunger, poverty and disease,” he said, adding that millions of children remained out of school while public health facilities continued to deteriorate.

Hayatu-Deen said he would run an issue-based campaign centred on governance reforms and national development if he secures the party’s nomination.

The economist, who previously contested for the presidency under the now-defunct Peoples Redemption Party, has often presented himself as a technocratic alternative focused on economic reforms, institution-building and national unity.

His declaration comes as political parties begin early alignments ahead of the 2027 elections amid growing public concern over inflation, unemployment and insecurity across the country.

Nigeria has witnessed sustained increases in food prices and foreign exchange instability in recent months, while insecurity linked to banditry, insurgency and communal clashes continues to affect several parts of the country.

Hayatu-Deen urged Nigerians to place greater emphasis on leadership quality when choosing the next president, stressing that anyone seeking the office should serve all citizens regardless of ethnic, religious or regional background.

He maintained that his aspiration was rooted in a desire to provide inclusive leadership capable of addressing the country’s pressing economic and security concerns.