Spread the word The Handshake Movement (THM), a foundational pillar of patriots committed to building a truly inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking political force in Nigeria, has called on the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and all presidential aspirants on the party’s platform to unite. The group claimed 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. In a statement released by its National Secretary, Engr Chinedu Okpalanma, said 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 normalization of political dominance. Nigeria must not travel that path. “For many Nigerians searching for hope and credible alternatives, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has begun to emerge as a platform capable of driving national renewal. With that opportunity comes a profound responsibility. “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, and produces a candidate who can command the united support of all aspirants and their supporters. Nigeria is bigger than any individual ambition. “A divided opposition has historically strengthened entrenched power structures. If credible democratic forces fail to cooperate and coordinate, the space for political competition gradually narrows and democracy itself becomes weaker. “This is why unity within the ADC is not merely a political preference — it is a democratic necessity.” The group also called on Nigerians across every region, religion, and ethnic background to resist the old politics of division, adding that tribal and religious narratives have too often been used to distract citizens from the real issues of governance, accountability, and national development. Our collective future must instead be anchored on competence, character, integrity, and the capacity to rebuild Nigeria. “Beyond advocacy, THM is committed to contributing meaningfully to the process of national renewal. As a coalition of professionals and policy thinkers, we intend to provide intellectual support, policy ideas, grassroots mobilization, and strategic engagement that can help strengthen the ADC as a credible alternative capable of leading Nigeria forward. “To this end, The Handshake Movement will be initiating consultative engagements with presidential aspirants of the party in order to promote dialogue, encourage unity, and explore strategic pathways for building a broad democratic coalition capable of winning the 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 real political choice. Nigeria deserves competent and accountable leadership. This is a defining moment for our democracy. “History will remember whether we chose division or unity, apathy or responsibility, personal ambition or national survival. ” The Handshake Movement stands firmly with all Nigerians who believe that our country must not fail.”