Damilola Aina, Abuja

Daily Courier – A presidential aspirant under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has stepped down from the race, describing the primary election contest as “obscenely monetised”.

He announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Saturday, the day the main opposition party is holding its presidential primary election.

“I have been a keen observer of Nigerian politics for so many decades, but have not been opportuned to actively participate in party politics due to my engagements in managing critical public and private institutions, among others,” he said.

“I have observed with great concern and sorrow the recent rapid deterioration of all aspects of our national life – characterised by increasing poverty, religious intolerance, banditry and kidnapping, monumental oil theft, corruption, mismanagement of national assets, communal and religious strifes and near collapse of public services and public institutions.

“During my recent nationwide trips, I came face to face with angry and hungry youths, children, boys and girls abandoned by their states who ought to provide them with education and vocational training. These had become the recruiting grounds of criminals, religious and political extremists.

The banker becomes the second aspirant to withdraw from the PDP presidential race following the withdrawal and resignation of a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi from the party.