By John Ikani
A former Managing Director and Chief Executive of FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has withdrawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential race.
PDP National Convention to elect a 2023 Presidential candidate out of the 15 aspirants is slated for today, in Abuja.
In his letter titled “Why I am stepping down as a presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party”, the economist noted that his decision to pull out of the race was due to the obscene monetisation of the contest.
“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”, Hayatu-Deen noted in the letter.
Mr Hayatu-Deen was one of the 17 aspirants who got the PDP presidential form for N40 million each. He was cleared by the party’s screening committee.
His withdrawal comes days after another contender, Peter Obi, withdrew from the race and resigned from the PDP. Mr Obi cited recent developments in the party as his reason for leaving. He later joined the Labour Party.
With the withdrawal, Mr Hayatu-Deen’s plan “to ensure that the great potential that had become the hallmark of Nigeria’s development paradigm, should be actualised during his presidency” would be put on hold.
He said he had planned to make Nigeria the continental economic powerhouse which would guarantee high quality of life to the vast majority of our citizens.
He also said he planned to end insecurity and the incessant university strikes – some of the reasons that compelled him to enter the political space “in order to provide tangible solutions to these problems.”
While thanking his supporters, he promised to avail himself at all times to ensure victory of the party.
So far, aspirants who have not stepped down include PDP presidential aspirants include former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku; two former Senate Presidents, Bukola Saraki and Anyim Pius Anyim; Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom); former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose; Sam Ohunabunwa, and Dele Momodu.
