Hayatu-Deen quits ADC primaries, alleges rigging

Presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has withdrawn from the final stage of the African Democratic Congress presidential primary, refusing to attend the announcement of results and alleging widespread irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen said he had personally observed some of the alleged infractions and would be consulting on his next course of action.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today,” he said, without immediately specifying what further steps he intended to take.

The primary has been closely contested among Hayatu-Deen, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.

His boycott came as early results indicated that Atiku was leading in several states, a development that appeared to deepen tensions surrounding the exercise.

The ADC had, ahead of the announcement, maintained that the primary process was transparent and credible.

Party officials were expected to proceed with the declaration of final results in Abuja as scheduled, notwithstanding Hayatu-Deen’s withdrawal and the allegations he raised.