BREAKING: Hayatu-Deen Pulls Out From PDP Presidential Race, Give Reasons | READ DETAILS

The technocrat and economist was supposed to contest in today's primaries in Abuja alongside 14 other aspirants to determine the flag bearer of the party ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Hayatu-Deen in a letter addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, said he joined the race with great humility and commitment to serve the country however, he regretted that the process has been 'obscenely monetized and corruptedÔÇØ.

"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 endeavored 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 monetizedÔÇØ Hayatu-Deen said.

He 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.

Others still in the race 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.

The PDP's National Convention is billed to hold today, May 28 at the Velodrome facility of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.