ADC Amaechi endorsement denial as South-South leadership dismisses reports claiming support for Rotimi Amaechi’s presidential ambition

The South-South Zonal Leadership of the African Democratic Congress has firmly rejected reports alleging that the party’s national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and regional stakeholders endorsed former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for the presidency ahead of the next general election.

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The clarification was issued on Saturday by the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Mabel Oboh, who described the reports as misleading and inconsistent with the democratic principles guiding the party’s internal processes.

Mabel Oboh explained that the February 27 meeting held at Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s residence in Benin City brought together party elders, senior stakeholders and representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states primarily to strengthen unity and advance grassroots mobilisation within the region.

According to Mabel Oboh, the gathering focused on strategic political consolidation rather than the endorsement of any presidential aspirant. The spokesperson stressed that interpreting the consultation as political backing represented a distortion of events.

During the meeting, Rotimi Amaechi formally informed regional leaders of his intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket, an action the zonal leadership described as a routine and respectful consultation within his geopolitical base.

Mabel Oboh stated that consultation should not be confused with endorsement, emphasising that no motion was moved, resolution adopted or vote conducted at any stage of the meeting to support any aspirant.

The ADC Amaechi endorsement denial, she added, reflects the party’s commitment to transparent and constitutional procedures.

She further noted that Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s longstanding reputation as an advocate of institutional discipline made the endorsement allegation implausible, given his history of promoting due process within political party structures.

The zonal leadership also expressed concern over what it termed premature and insufficiently verified media reports, warning that inaccurate political narratives could undermine democratic confidence and generate avoidable tension within party ranks.

Mabel Oboh reaffirmed that the authority to nominate presidential candidates rests solely with constitutionally recognised organs of the African Democratic Congress and its membership nationwide, not with zonal consultations.

The statement added that the South-South leadership remains united and focused on party growth, insisting that the meeting’s outcome was organisational strengthening rather than political alignment.

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Rotimi Amaechi used the occasion to officially announce his intention to seek the office of President in the forthcoming election, marking an early step in what observers expect to become a highly competitive nomination process within the party.