The Handshake Movement has urged a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, a former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and other aspirants seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections to strictly abide by the party’s rules and established guidelines. The group, in a statement by its National Secretary, Chinedu Okpalanma, on Saturday, emphasised that adherence to the party’s constitution and internal processes would ensure transparency, fairness, and unity within the party as it prepares for the 2027 presidential race. The ambitions of Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi to contest the ADC presidential ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 election have reportedly created divisions within the coalition party ahead of the polls. Reacting to the development, the group stressed that unity among aspirants within the party is essential to strengthening the ADC as a credible political alternative capable of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. The movement also noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with worsening economic hardship, growing insecurity, unemployment, and weakening institutions, which it said have further diminished public trust in governance. It stated, “The Handshake Movement, a foundational pillar of patriots committed to building a truly inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking political force in Nigeria, considers it necessary at this critical moment in our national life to address Nigerians, the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, and all presidential aspirants on the party’s platform. “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. “Even more troubling is the gradual erosion of democratic norms. Around the world, history has shown that democracies rarely collapse suddenly; they weaken slowly through the shrinking of political alternatives, the manipulation of institutions, the weakening of opposition platforms, and the normalisation of political dominance. “Nigeria must not travel that path. For many Nigerians searching for hope and credible alternatives, the African Democratic Congress has begun to emerge as a platform capable of driving national renewal. With that opportunity comes a profound responsibility.” The group warned that individual ambitions should never be allowed to divide the platform that millions of Nigerians now view as a potential means to restore the nation. It continued, “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 Handshake Movement strongly believes that leadership is ultimately defined by service, sacrifice, and the ability to place national interest above personal aspiration. “The ADC presidential primary must therefore be conducted as a democratic process that strengthens the party, builds public confidence of Nigerians. “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.”