*As Obi’s Camp Says Move Is Premature
The purported endorsement of the presidential ambition of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, by leaders of the African Democratic Congress in the South-South has sparked a row within the party, with the zonal leadership rejecting claims by former APC national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, that the region endorsed Amaechi for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Some ADC leaders, particularly those aligned with former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, described the move as premature.
South-South ADC leaders, including chairmen and representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, had on Friday met at the Benin residence of the party’s Policy and Manifesto Committee Chairman, John Oyegun.
In a viral video after the meeting, Oyegun said, “We were very pleased to thank him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone; for not letting loose in his zone, setting up his own personal structure, by ensuring, like any good son, that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it.
“We were pleased, and 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 Oyegun’s position as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
Oboh said the event focused on strengthening internal cohesion, grassroots mobilisation, and preparing the party for future elections.
She stressed 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.
“These were not casual attendees. They were seasoned political leaders with decades of experience in governance and party administration. To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is inaccurate and illogical.
“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation. Receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support,” she said.
Oboh maintained that the ADC remained committed to internal democracy, noting that the power to nominate and elect candidates rested with the constitutionally recognised organs of the party and ultimately with its members, not a handful of leaders at a zonal consultation.
She added that portraying seasoned leaders as abandoning due process was illogical, given Oyegun’s experience in party politics.
“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” Oboh added.
The Delta State ADC Chairman, Okolie Austine, denied that an endorsement took place, describing the meeting as one where Amaechi’s ambition was blessed, not adopted.
He said other presidential aspirants from the region would also receive similar blessings from the zonal leaders.
“The ADC South-South leaders met at the Benin residence of our leader, John Oyegun, on Friday. Amaechi, being part of the South-South leadership, was in attendance and made his intention to contest for the presidential ticket known to us.
“As expected, we gave him our blessing because he is one of us. That does not translate to an endorsement. It is not yet time for primaries, and our blessing to Amaechi does not mean other aspirants from the zone should not show interest or that we will not bless their ambitions as well,” Austine said.
Similarly, the Cross River State ADC Chairman, Dr John Ogar, dismissed reports of an endorsement, saying what transpired was merely a courtesy extended to Amaechi.
“As a party, we will support whoever emerges as the ADC presidential candidate. What we did was courtesy. That is the position of the leaders,” he said.
