Renowned economist and 2022 presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has declared his intention to contest for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.

Speaking on Arise Television on Tuesday night, Hayatu-Deen said the present moment calls for leadership that understands the pain Nigerians are feeling and has the experience to fix it.

He pointed to the rising cost of living, noting that "food prices keep going up, petrol prices keep rising, and for many Nigerians, just getting through the day has become a struggle."

He also raised concerns about worsening insecurity, stating that the country now spends more on ransoms than on properly equipping its security forces, while the naira continues to weaken against other African currencies.

"This is not the Nigeria we deserve. It is time to change course, and that is why I am stepping forward to seek the ADC presidential ticket."

Hayatu-Deen criticised what he described as a disconnect between the government and ordinary Nigerians, saying that while families and businesses are under pressure, those in power have failed to respond with urgency.