Play By The Rules, Group Urges ADC Presidential Hopefuls

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A political group, The Handshake Movement (THM), has called on all presidential aspirants within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a list that includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Governors Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi—to adhere strictly to democratic principles and the party’s established internal processes.

In a statement released on Saturday, the group emphasized that strict compliance with party rules is essential for a credible and transparent contest for the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.

The group’s National Secretary, Chinedu Okpalanma, stressed that unity among the aspirants is paramount to solidifying the ADC’s position as a formidable political alternative. “Fostering cohesion is critical to building a party capable of rescuing Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read.

THM framed its appeal against the backdrop of Nigeria’s current challenges, including deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, widespread unemployment, and weakening public institutions. These issues, the group noted, have severely eroded public confidence in governance, leaving many citizens feeling excluded and uncertain about the nation’s future.

Warning against the continued erosion of democratic norms, the movement cautioned that democracies are often weakened not by a single event, but through the gradual shrinking of political alternatives, the manipulation of institutions, and the fragmentation of opposition platforms.

Positioning the ADC as a burgeoning beacon of hope, THM asserted that the party is emerging as a viable platform for Nigerians desperate for credible change and national renewal. Consequently, it urged all presidential aspirants to approach the upcoming contest with patriotism and a profound 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,” Okpalanma stated.

The group insisted that the ADC’s presidential primary be conducted in a transparent and democratic manner. Such a process, they argued, would not only strengthen the party but also build public confidence and ultimately produce a candidate capable of commanding the unified support of all aspirants.

In a direct appeal to the electorate, THM cautioned Nigerians against the politics of ethnic and religious division. It urged citizens to instead focus their judgment on the competence, integrity, and leadership capacity of those seeking office.

Looking ahead, The Handshake Movement announced plans to initiate formal consultations with all presidential aspirants on the ADC platform. This effort is aimed at fostering unity and building a broad, democratic coalition in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The group also pledged to contribute to this coalition through policy ideas, grassroots mobilization, and strategic engagement, all in an effort to strengthen the ADC as a viable alternative for national leadership.