In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Alhaji Mohammed Hayatudeen, a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), argued that the ongoing discussions about zoning are diverting attention from the severe issues confronting Nigeria. He stressed that the nation must prioritize tackling insecurity, economic turmoil, and unemployment instead.
Hayatudeen highlighted alarming statistics, noting that 416 individuals were kidnapped and threatened with death in just one week. He questioned the relevance of zoning when thousands of citizens have been murdered over the past three years and families struggle to afford basic necessities like food and education. According to him, what the country needs are leaders with strong character, competence, and empathy, regardless of their regional origin.
The aspirant linked the rising insecurity directly to decades of economic mismanagement, claiming that poverty has surged five to six times in the last two decades, leaving about 110 million Nigerians below the poverty line. He refuted claims that the current wave of violence is election-driven, pointing to data from local and international think tanks that contradict this narrative.
Explaining his choice to run under the ADC banner, Hayatudeen praised the party’s constitution, manifesto, and leadership, describing them as forthright, tenacious, and experienced. He expressed confidence that the ADC can mobilize resources to contest and win at all levels, focusing on cost-of-living issues, insecurity, job creation, and poverty eradication.
He also raised concerns about the government’s alleged stifling of political space through surrogates and state instruments, which he said undermines genuine electoral choice. Hayatudeen’s remarks underscore his belief that Nigeria’s survival depends on addressing fundamental problems rather than engaging in divisive zoning talks.