Abuja, Nigeria – The Handshake Movement, a political advocacy group in Nigeria, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and other politicians aspiring for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to strictly follow the party’s rules and internal procedures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Secretary, Chinedu Okpalanma, highlighted that strict adherence to the party constitution and established guidelines would promote transparency, fairness, and cohesion within the ADC as it prepares for the presidential race.
The ambitions of Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi to contest the ADC nomination to challenge Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have reportedly caused tensions within the coalition party ahead of the elections.
Addressing the situation, the Handshake Movement emphasized that unity among aspirants is critical for positioning the ADC as a credible political alternative capable of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“Nigeria today stands at a difficult crossroads. Across the country, millions of citizens face daily deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, unemployment, weakening institutions, and a growing loss of public trust in government. Many Nigerians increasingly feel excluded from governance and uncertain about the future of the country they call home,” the group said in its statement.
The movement added that the gradual weakening of democratic norms worldwide demonstrates how democracies rarely collapse suddenly, noting that the ADC has emerged as a potential platform for national renewal.
“It is therefore imperative that all presidential aspirants within the ADC approach the coming political contest with a deep sense of patriotism and historical duty. 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 continued.
The Handshake Movement stressed that leadership should be measured by service and sacrifice, placing national interest above personal ambition, and called for a democratic ADC presidential primary that strengthens the party and restores public trust.
“To the Nigerian people, we say this: democracy survives when citizens refuse apathy. The journey toward 2027 will require vigilance, participation, and the courage to demand accountability from those who seek to lead. Nigeria deserves strong institutions. Nigeria deserves a real political choice. Nigeria deserves competent and accountable leadership,” the statement concluded.
Okay News reports that the ADC faces a critical period as it seeks to unify aspirants and build a platform capable of presenting a credible alternative to the ruling party.
