2027: We Did Not Endorse Amaechi For Presidency – South-South ADC

By Ayodele Oni

The South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mabel Oboh, has clarified that there was no time leaders of the zone endorsed former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for 2027 presidency.

Reports have claimed that one of the national leaders in the zone, former Governor John Odigie-Oyegun, and others endorsed Amaechi on Friday when the former Transport Minister visited Edo to inform leaders of his intentions to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party.

The Zonal Publicity Secretary, described the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”

It was gathered that the February 27 meeting, was held at Oyegun’s residence, with respected party elders, senior stakeholders, and state representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.

According to Oboh, the meeting was organised to strengthen internal cohesion, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and position the party strategically for future electoral contests.

She said: “These were not casual attendees, they were seasoned political leaders, individuals with decades of experience in governance, party administration, and democratic practice.

“To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical.”

Ms Oboh described Amaechi’s move to formally informed regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket as respectful consultation with his geopolitical zone.

“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation,” adding receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to formally brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support.

Oboh emphasised that at no time, before, during, or after the meeting, was any motion moved, resolution adopted, vote taken, or consensus reached to endorse any aspirant.

She further stressed that Chief Oyegun’s political history makes the allegation particularly implausible.

As a former national chairman of a ruling political party and a longstanding advocate of constitutional order within party systems, Oyegun, she said, understands the weight of process and institutional discipline.

“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening.

“Misinformation in political reporting does not merely mislead the public; it risks undermining democratic processes, fueling unnecessary tension within parties, and eroding confidence in institutional procedures.”

She maintained that the ADC remains committed to internal democracy, noting that the power to nominate and elect candidates rests with constitutionally recognised organs of the party and ultimately with its members, not with a handful of leaders at a zonal consultation.

Reaffirming the unity of the South-South bloc, Oboh stated that the meeting’s true objective was structural consolidation and party growth, not premature political alignment.

“The elders of the South-South remain united, disciplined, and committed to due process. No endorsement took place. Any narrative suggesting otherwise is false and should be disregarded.”