Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has the foresight, intellect and discipline to do the job, argues
PAUL A. OBI
Nigeria’s democratic journey has produced many politicians, campaigners, and rhetoricians. What it has produced far less frequently are individuals whose lives demonstrate sustained competence in administration, finance, institution-building, and national cohesion anchored on strong character and integrity before seeking political power. This is especially in a nation burdened by insecurity, economic fragility, elite distrust, and institutional decay. Therefore the question before Nigerians is no longer simply who can win elections, but who can also govern effectively.
It is within this context that the candidacy of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen deserves serious national reflection. His profile presents something increasingly rare in Nigerian politics: a technocratic statesman with demonstrable executive experience across the public sector, private enterprise, development institutions, and national policy platforms and the global space. Whether one agrees fully with his prescriptions or not, it is difficult to dismiss the depth of preparation reflected in his record.
The central argument for Mohammed Hayatu-Deen’s suitability for the presidency is not built around ethnic populism, religious mobilization, or emotional grandstanding. It rests on competence, exposure, discipline, and institution building and patriotism.
