The South-South zonal leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has publicly distanced itself from claims that it endorsed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, the zonal executives said no such endorsement took place during their recent meeting in Benin City. They described comments attributed to Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as inaccurate and capable of creating confusion within the party.
The clarification follows remarks by Odigie-Oyegun, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now a chieftain of the ADC, who had announced that South-South leaders unanimously agreed to support Amaechi’s presidential ambition after a consultative meeting.
Speaking after the gathering, Odigie-Oyegun had said:
“We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of this meeting to brief us formally of his intention to run for the presidency of our great nation. I can report that a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.”
However, the South-South ADC leadership has rejected that account.
In the statement signed by Mabel Oboh, Zonal Publicity Secretary of the ADC in the region, the leadership insisted that the February 27 meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence was strictly consultative and not a platform for endorsing any aspirant.
According to Oboh, the meeting was attended by party elders and representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states. The discussions, he said, centered on strengthening internal unity, mobilizing support at the grassroots level, and positioning the party strategically ahead of future elections.
He confirmed that Amaechi used the opportunity to formally inform regional leaders of his intention to seek the ADC presidential nomination. However, he emphasized that no motion was presented, no vote was conducted, and no formal resolution was passed to back any candidate.
“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation,” the statement said. “Receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to formally brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support.”
The zonal leadership stressed that the ADC remains committed to internal democracy and due process. It explained that the selection of presidential candidates is the responsibility of the party’s constitutionally recognized organs and its registered members across the country — not a regional consultation forum.
The statement further warned that premature endorsement claims could undermine unity within the party and create unnecessary tension among other aspirants who may be interested in contesting the ticket.
Oboh also noted that the ADC leadership in the South-South respects Odigie-Oyegun’s long political career but found it difficult to believe that an experienced party leader would knowingly sidestep established procedures.
“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” Oboh said.
The development now exposes a growing difference in interpretation within the party over what transpired at the Benin meeting. While Amaechi’s supporters may view the consultation as a sign of strong regional backing, the official zonal leadership is drawing a clear line between political courtesy and formal endorsement.
As the 2027 presidential race gradually begins to take shape, the ADC appears determined to present itself as a party guided by rules and collective decision-making. Whether this internal clarification strengthens party unity or signals early divisions remains to be seen.
For now, the South-South leadership insists that no endorsement has been granted — and that the race for the ADC presidential ticket remains open to all qualified aspirants under the party’s democratic process.
