Hayatu-Deen Says Nigerians Poorer, Insecurity Worse Than Three Years Ago

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said Nigerians are worse off economically and face greater insecurity than they did three years ago, urging a new national direction driven by disciplined policies and people-centred leadership.

He made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during an engagement with the ADC press corps, where he outlined his vision, leadership approach and reasons for seeking the presidency.

The comments come amid efforts by the ADC to present itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections, focusing on reforms, economic discipline and responsive governance.

According to Hayatu-Deen, the disconnect between Nigeria’s promise and its reality is now clearly reflected in citizens’ daily experiences.

“Today, that gap is no longer abstract; it is felt in the rising cost of living, in the insecurity that threatens lives and livelihoods, and in the growing sense of uncertainty about the future.

“Food prices continue to rise. Petrol prices continue to climb. For millions of families, the simple act of getting through the day has become a test of endurance rather than a pursuit of opportunity,” he said.

He noted that insecurity has worsened conditions nationwide.

“In too many parts of our country, communities live under the shadow of fear, uncertain of what tomorrow may bring,” he added.

Referencing recent events in Borno State, he said: “Only this week, we have seen Boko Haram take 416 hostages in Borno, my home state. When it cuts this close to home, it reaffirms to me that every Nigerian life matters.

“In some cases, citizens now bear the direct cost of that insecurity, paying ransoms to secure their own safety, a reality that speaks to a deeper failure of protection and leadership.”

On economic reforms, he said implementation had been flawed.

“While macroeconomic reforms were needed, these should have been carefully sequenced in a systematic and orderly manner to mitigate the devastating side effects which the nation has and continues to experience.

“Consequently, this has engendered a broader loss of confidence in the economic stewardship of the country.

“This is not the Nigeria that we were promised. It is definitely not the Nigeria that we deserve. And it must not be the Nigeria that we accept.

“We need to take a new course, a course that is anchored on clarity, discipline, and leadership that puts Nigerians first and restores confidence in our future.”

Hayatu-Deen said his leadership philosophy is rooted in accountability and tangible results, alongside efforts to support education for vulnerable groups.

He emphasised empathy as a core leadership trait.

“A leader must be someone who is a reflection of that society. The first thing is for you to actually assimilate the pains and sufferings of your fellow human beings. Secondly, to create an egalitarian society in which all the needs and wants of society are properly reconciled.”

He also stressed the importance of making tough choices due to limited resources.

“You’re not going to be able to do everything because there are resource constraints, but you’re going to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

“There are certain low-hanging fruits, many of the things that people have overcome elsewhere, we still struggle with here. What is required is the discipline and commitment to implement solutions that already exist.”

Calling on journalists to remain vigilant, he said:

“Your job is not just to report events, but to ask the right questions, to demand clarity, and to ensure that those who seek to lead are held to the highest standards.

“I welcome that responsibility. I welcome your scrutiny. Because this campaign must be anchored in truth, in substance, and in accountability.

“I stand before you today with conviction that Nigeria can work again, and that together, we can make it happen.”

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