A former Managing Director and Chief Executive of FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has pulled out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential race over what he termed personal principles.
He alleged that the PDP contest has been ‘’obscenely monetized”.
The PDP holds its primaries to elect a Presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 election at the national stadium in Abuja today.
In the contest are former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, Bukola Saraki, Governor Aminu Tambuwal and a host other aspirants.
But Mohammed, a foremost Economist and Banker, in a letter addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, said he joined the contest as a democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent, stating that he did not join the contest for personal gains.
He said, “My exposure locally and internationally and contributions to the nation’s economic and political well-being positioned me to take up the challenges facing our dear nation and the courage to participate in this grueling exercise which most of our elites have shunned away from. Regrettably, the political system has proved to be acrimonious, corrupt and self-serving.
“I joined the contest as a democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible, and transparent.
“We have endeavoured to forge a consensus which would have facilitated a seamless emergence of a candidate which unfortunately could not be achieved.
“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 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 assured that as a very loyal party member and believer in the democratic process, he’ll continue to avail himself and his teeming supporters at all times to ensure the victory of the PDP.