By Achile Danjuma
A group known as The Handshake Movement (THM), has asked presidential aspirants on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governors Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, among others to play by the rules.
According to the group, they must adhere strictly to democratic rules and party processes in the contest for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement by its national secretary, Chinedu Okpalanma, THM said unity among aspirants within the party remains crucial to strengthening the ADC as a credible political alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria’s democracy.
The group noted that Nigeria currently faces deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, unemployment and weakening institutions which have eroded public confidence in governance.
THM maintained that development
has left many Nigerians feeling excluded from governance and uncertain about the future of the country.
It equally warned against the gradual erosion of democratic norms, emphasising that democracies often weaken through the shrinking of political alternatives, manipulation of institutions and fragmentation of opposition platforms.
The movement said the ADC had begun to emerge as a viable political platform for Nigerians seeking credible alternatives and national renewal.
It, therefore, urged all presidential aspirants within the party to approach the contest with patriotism and a sense of national responsibility.
“Personal ambition must never be allowed to fracture the very platform that millions of Nigerians now see as a possible vehicle for national rescue,” the statement said.
The group insisted that the ADC presidential primary must be conducted in a transparent and democratic manner capable of strengthening the party, building public confidence and producing a candidate who can command the support of all aspirants.
It further cautioned Nigerians against the politics of ethnic and religious division, urging citizens to focus instead on competence, integrity and leadership capacity.
THM said it will initiate consultations with presidential aspirants on the ADC platform as part of efforts to encourage unity and build a broad democratic coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group stated that it would contribute policy ideas, grassroots mobilisation and strategic engagement aimed at strengthening the ADC as a viable alternative for national leadership.