…Rolls out 36-State campaign army

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — Presidential hopeful Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has moved early in the race for the ticket of the African Democratic Congress, unveiling 36 state coordinators as he accelerates nationwide mobilisation ahead of the party’s primaries and ratification convention later this month.

The coordinators, drawn from all six geopolitical zones, were inaugurated on Monday at his Abuja campaign office, marking a shift from consultations to a structured, state-by-state campaign rollout.

The move comes as the political calendar tightens. The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed May 30, 2026 as the deadline for party primaries, placing pressure on parties, including the ADC, to conclude internal processes within a narrow window.

Within the ADC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi have also indicated interest in the presidential ticket, setting up an early internal contest.

Against that backdrop, Hayatu-Deen’s early rollout of a nationwide structure positions him ahead of rivals still weighing options or navigating broader coalition talks within the opposition.

Speaking at the inauguration, he described the move as a defining moment for his campaign.

Hayatu-Deen said, “What we are building is not just a campaign, it is a national movement anchored on competence, integrity, and results.

“As we continue to engage stakeholders across the country and support the ADC registration drive, this inauguration marks a decisive step in taking our message to every state, every community, and every Nigerian.”

He said the campaign’s growing traction reflects public expectations for responsive leadership.

“There is a clear mood across the country. Nigerians are looking for leadership that understands their struggles and is prepared to act. Our responsibility is to meet that expectation with seriousness, clarity, and a plan.”

Hayatu-Deen urged the coordinators to keep the campaign focused on everyday concerns.

“Our message must be disciplined and consistent. Nigerians want safety, they want opportunity, and they want a government that works for them. Your role is to take that message to the grassroots and build trust, one community at a time.

“This movement will be judged not only by what we say, but by how we organise and conduct ourselves. We must set a new standard for political engagement in Nigeria, one built on respect, ideas, and service.”

National Coordinator, Comrade Usman Adamu Song, said the inauguration marked a transition from planning to execution.

He said, “Today is not just about appointments, it is about responsibility. Each of you represents the face of this movement in your state. You are the bridge between our vision and the Nigerian people.

“This campaign is built on structure, discipline, and credibility. We are not here to make noise, we are here to organise, mobilise, and win. Every ward, every local government, every state must feel our presence.”

Song urged the coordinators to prioritise direct engagement with citizens.

“Our task is to connect with the people in a real way, to listen, to engage, and to earn their confidence. That is how strong political movements are built,” he said.