Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027, has strongly criticized the current economic management of Nigeria. He is calling for an immediate reset of economic policies to address the severe hardships faced by citizens.

The renowned economist expressed his concerns during a media chat in Abuja, warning that existing economic strategies are not yielding the desired relief. He noted that escalating poverty and inflation are significantly diminishing the living standards of Nigerians.

Hayatu-Deen lamented that many Nigerians are struggling to survive due to worsening socio-economic conditions. He believes this situation reflects a disconnect between the decisions made by leadership and the actual realities on the ground.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. And at such moments, nations do not drift; they move forward with momentum. They choose either the noble path of renewal or the easy slide into decline,” Hayatu-Deen stated. He added that for too long, the country has made poor choices and tolerated weak systems, leading to a widening gap between its potential and its current reality.

He emphasized that this gap is now palpable, evident in the rising cost of living, pervasive insecurity, and a growing sense of uncertainty about the future. Hayatu-Deen warned that the country is drifting too close to decline, with mounting pressure on everyday Nigerians and the promise of a better life feeling increasingly out of reach.

“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 observed. Hayatu-Deen also pointed out that Nigerians are not only burdened economically but are also increasingly unsafe, with many communities living under the threat of fear.

The presidential aspirant decried a situation where citizens are sometimes forced to bear the burden of insecurity themselves, including paying ransoms. He described this as a troubling reality that signifies a deeper failure in protection and leadership.

Hayatu-Deen asserted that Nigerians are poorer and less secure than they were three years ago. He argued that while macroeconomic reforms were necessary, they should have been carefully sequenced to mitigate the devastating side effects the nation is experiencing.

“Consequently, this has engendered a broader loss of confidence in the economic stewardship of the country,” he stated. Hayatu-Deen stressed that this is not the Nigeria promised, deserved, or acceptable, and highlighted his commitment, alongside other ADC leaders, to fixing these progressively worsening problems.

“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,” he declared. Hayatu-Deen pledged to apply the same exacting standards to leading the country that he has used in his previous leadership roles, aiming to leave it better than he found it.

He expressed that Nigerians are weary of recycled politics characterized by unfulfilled promises and leaders distracted by factional interests. Hayatu-Deen believes the current national consciousness demands practical solutions and tangible results.

“Nigerians want a leader who is serious about tackling insecurity, creating new jobs, and reforming institutions in a way that positively impacts their lives,” he said. He also stressed the need for leadership that unites the country towards a shared national purpose.

Hayatu-Deen stated that Nigerian leadership must reflect the realities of ordinary citizens, not elite comfort, and that effective governance requires understanding and addressing the daily struggles of millions living in poverty. He committed to being an empathetic leader who measures the pulse of the majority and works to create an egalitarian society.

On April 12, Hayatu-Deen officially left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ADC, citing worsening insecurity, rising living costs, and a shrinking democratic space. He announced his intention to contest for the ADC presidential ticket on April 21.