The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is faced with internal divisions following conflicting claims over the reported endorsement of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s South-South consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, was said to have been endorsed during a meeting of zonal leaders held in Benin, Edo State, at the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.
Speaking after the meeting, Usani Uguru Usani, ADC National Vice Chairman (South-South), maintained that the zone unanimously adopted Amaechi’s presidential aspiration.
According to him, the former governor formally declared his intention to contest and sought the support of leaders from his geopolitical base.
Usani explained that following discussions, Odigie-Oyegun called for a voice vote, which reportedly received overwhelming affirmative responses without any opposing voices.
“The loud ‘aye’ signified a pledge of support, which can be interpreted as endorsement,” Usani stated, while noting that such support does not preclude individual members from backing other aspirants.
However, ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, dismissed claims of endorsement, describing the meeting as purely consultative.
“Consultation must not be misconstrued as endorsement. Engagement does not amount to adoption,” Wayas said, insisting that no motion was introduced, no resolution passed, and no vote formally conducted to adopt any aspirant.
She emphasized that the authority to nominate and elect candidates rests with constitutionally recognized organs of the party and its members, not zonal consultations.
The Obidient Movement, which backs former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, also rejected the endorsement narrative.
According to Vanguard, the National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said ADC leaders had clarified that Amaechi’s visit was merely to inform them of his presidential ambition.
“They denied it was an endorsement. He only came to notify them he was running,” Tanko said.
In a video reportedly shared by Amaechi, Odigie-Oyegun was seen addressing journalists, stating that South-South leaders had taken a unanimous decision to support Amaechi’s aspiration.
“We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, briefed us on his intention to run for the presidency. A unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support he needs in pursuit of his ambition,” Odigie-Oyegun said in the footage.
Efforts to obtain direct comments from Amaechi and Odigie-Oyegun at the time of filing this report were unsuccessful.
Amaechi, who previously contested the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress in 2022, losing to President Bola Tinubu, is positioning himself once again for a presidential run ahead of the 2027 elections.
The unfolding disagreement within the ADC highlights early strategic tensions within opposition ranks as political alignments begin to take shape.
As preparations intensify toward 2027, the party’s ability to maintain internal cohesion may prove decisive in determining its electoral prospects both in the South-South region and nationally.
