Rotimi Amaechi’s ADC South-South endorsement generates conflicting claims, with party leaders divided over consultation versus official support
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, was thrown into internal debate on Saturday following conflicting reports over the purported endorsement of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the South-South consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
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The controversy arose during a meeting of South-South zonal leaders at the home of former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin, Edo State.
While ADC National Vice Chairman for South-South, Usani Uguru Usani, stated that Amaechi was adopted as the consensus candidate, ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Jackie Wayas disputed the claim, insisting consultation does not equal endorsement.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, reportedly briefed regional leaders on his intention to contest the ADC presidential ticket, describing the step as routine consultation with his geopolitical zone before approaching other regions.
Usani said the forum unanimously pledged support for Amaechi, citing a voice vote and applause as symbolic endorsement.
Wayas, however, clarified that the meeting aimed to strengthen unity within the South-South zone and consolidate party structures, not to confer official support for any aspirant.
She stressed that no motion, vote, or resolution was passed in favour of Amaechi and reaffirmed that candidate selection remains the prerogative of the ADC’s constitutionally recognised organs.
The Obidient Movement, backing former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, echoed Wayas’ position, stating that Amaechi had only informed the leaders of his intention to run and that no endorsement had occurred.
Amaechi shared a video on his WhatsApp status showing Odigie-Oyegun stating that South-South leaders had agreed to support his presidential ambition.
Odigie-Oyegun said, “We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of the meeting to brief us on his intention to run for the presidency… We were pleased, and I can report a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.”
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The conflicting accounts underscore divisions within the ADC regarding candidate consultation and the definition of consensus, with leaders calling for unity and adherence to party processes as the 2027 elections approach.
