The South-South zone of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was thrown into confusion yesterday following conflicting accounts over the reported adoption of former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Amaechi, who previously served as Minister of Transportation and was runner-up to President Bola Tinubu at the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, had formally informed ADC leaders in the South-South of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket.
The meeting, held at the Benin residence of former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, brought together key zonal leaders of the party. However, disagreement soon emerged among party officials over whether Amaechi was officially endorsed at the gathering.
Conflicting Positions
The ADC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Mr. Usani Uguru Usani, confirmed that the zone unanimously supported Amaechi’s presidential bid.
According to him, Amaechi declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidency and sought the backing of leaders from his geopolitical base. A motion was reportedly proposed to affirm support for his aspiration, after which a voice vote was conducted.
“At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative ‘AY’ while a contra call had no ‘NAY’ response. This applause was a pledge to support him, which can be interpreted as endorsement,” Usani explained.
He added that while the development reflected collective support, it did not compel individual members to abandon their personal convictions or other aspirants within the zone.
Supporting Amaechi’s declaration were Senator Andrew Uchendu, Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and Professor Pat Utomi, among others. Usani stressed that having a qualified aspirant from the region was a privilege that required unity.
“Consultation Is Not Endorsement” — Wayas
In sharp contrast, the ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ms. Jackie Wayas, insisted that no endorsement took place.
She described the gathering as a routine consultative meeting aimed at strengthening unity and consolidating the party’s base in the South-South.
According to Wayas, Amaechi merely informed party leaders of his decision to run, in line with political tradition.
“Consultation must not be misconstrued as endorsement. Engagement does not amount to adoption,” she said.
Wayas maintained that no motion was formally introduced, no resolution passed, and no vote conducted to endorse any aspirant.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no candidate was endorsed at the meeting. At no point before, during, or after the gathering was any motion introduced, resolution passed, vote conducted, or consensus reached in support of any aspirant,” she stated.
She further dismissed allegations of procedural irregularities, noting that Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s long-standing record of respect for due process made such claims unlikely.
Wayas reiterated that the authority to nominate and elect candidates lies with constitutionally recognised organs of the ADC and its members, not a zonal consultation forum.
Obidient Movement Reacts
The Obidient Movement, which backs former Anambra State Governor Mr. Peter Obi, also weighed in on the controversy.
Its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said ADC leaders had denied endorsing Amaechi.
“They denied it. They said it was not an endorsement. Mr. Amaechi came visiting and told them he was running,” Tanko said.
Oyegun Confirms Support in Video
Despite the denials, a video later surfaced in which Chief Odigie-Oyegun appeared to confirm that leaders present at the meeting had resolved to support Amaechi’s ambition.
In the footage, Odigie-Oyegun stated that a unanimous decision was taken to give Amaechi “all the support that he needs” in pursuing his presidential aspiration.
“We were very pleased to thank him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone. I can report that a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition,” he said.
He added that the South-South zone would continue to meet and strengthen its internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections, while expressing hope that the electoral process would be peaceful.
Efforts to reach Amaechi and Odigie-Oyegun for further clarification were unsuccessful as of press time.
The conflicting narratives have left party members and observers uncertain about the official position of the South-South ADC, highlighting internal divisions as preparations for the 2027 presidential race gather momentum.
ADC South-South Divided Over Alleged Endorsement of Amaechi for 2027 Presidency
