The south-south zonal leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected John Odigie-Oyegun’s remarks that the region endorsed Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
The rebuttal comes after Odigie-Oyegun, a former APC national chairman and now chieftain of the ADC, said a unanimous decision was reached by the south-south group on Amaechi’s ambition, following a consultative meeting.
“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,” Odigie-Oyegun had said.
“I can report that a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by Mabel Oboh, zonal publicity secretary of the ADC in the south-south, the leadership described Odigie-Oyegun’s position as “misleading”, insisting that no endorsement took place during the February 27 meeting at the ex-APC chairman’s Benin City residence.
Oboh said the event, attended by party elders and representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states, focused on strengthening internal cohesion, grassroots mobilisation, and preparing the party for future elections.
He said while Amaechi formally briefed the leaders of his intention to seek the ADC presidential nomination, no motion was moved, no vote taken, and no resolution was adopted to back any aspirant.
“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation. 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 statement reads.
The group added that any suggestion of endorsement disregards the party’s commitment to internal democracy, where candidate selection rests with recognised organs and members — not zonal consultations.
Oboh added that portraying seasoned leaders as abandoning due process was illogical, given Oyegun’s experience in party politics and skin in the game.
“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” Oboh added.
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