PDP Convention: Hayatu-Deen backs out of presidential primary

One of the presidential aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, on Friday withdrew from the presidential race before the national convention of the party, complaining about the PDP primary election being “obscenely monetised”.

Hayatu-Deen, in a letter dated May 27th to the PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, informed the party of his withdrawal from the presidential contest, protesting: “I have been a keen observer of Nigerian politics for so many decades, but have not been opportuned to actively participate in party politics due to my engagements in managing critical public and private institutions, among others.

“I have observed with great concern and sorrow the recent rapid deterioration of all aspects of our national life – characterised by increasing poverty, religious intolerance, banditry and kidnapping, monumental oil theft, corruption, mismanagement of national assets, communal and religious strife and near collapse of public services and public institutions.

“During my recent nationwide trips, I came face to face with angry and hungry youths, children, boys, and girls abandoned by their states who ought to provide them with education and vocational training. These had become the recruiting grounds of criminals, religious and political extremists.

“I planned to make Nigeria the continental economic powerhouse; end insurgency in the country and also halt incessant closure of our universities and other public institutions due to strikes.

“I wish to reiterate that I did not join party politics and to contest for the presidency because of personal gains and inordinate ambition, but in order to serve our country.

“It is, therefore, based on personal principles and with great humility that I have decided after wide consultations to withdraw from this contest which has been obscenely monetized.

“Finally, as a very loyal party member and believer in the democratic process, I will continue to avail myself and my teeming supporters at all times to ensure the victory of our great party.”