Opposition Must Unite Or Risk Defeat — Hayatu-Deen
A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has warned that
the opposition risks defeat in the 2027 general elections unless it presents a united front.
Hayatu-Deen made the call on Saturday, April 25, 2026, on the sidelines of the National Opposition
Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and threats to
democracy, require a coordinated response that no single political party can deliver alone.
He stated that division within the opposition would only strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress
and urged leaders and parties to set aside personal ambitions for the sake of building a credible
alternative.
According to him, a fragmented opposition would fail to win the confidence of Nigerians seeking change.
Hayatu-Deen, a former banker and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, recently joined
the ADC and declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential ticket for 2027.
He described the ADC as an emerging platform capable of uniting experienced politicians and reform-
minded leaders.
The summit in Ibadan, themed around strengthening opposition cooperation, brought together various
opposition figures.
Hayatu-Deen used the platform to stress that unity is not optional but essential if the opposition hopes
to unseat the current administration and address the nation’s pressing issues.
His comments align with broader discussions at the summit on building consensus and presenting a
united opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
