Leaders of African Democratic Congress in the South-South zone on Saturday dismissed reports of endorsing former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi for the 2027 presidency, calling the claims “misleading and undemocratic” and insisting no such support was discussed at a recent meeting.
The denial came in a statement from zonal publicity secretary Mabel Oboh, who described the narratives as “a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
The February 27 gathering at national leader Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s Benin residence included elders and representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, focused on party cohesion and mobilisation, not endorsements.
“These were not casual attendees. They were seasoned political leaders, individuals with decades of experience in governance, party administration, and democratic practice,” Oboh said. “To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical.”
Amaechi informed attendees of his intent to seek the ADC ticket, but Oboh stressed: “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.”
She added that no motion, resolution or vote occurred: “The leaders did not endorse Amaechi or any other person as this will negate the principle of internal democracy.”
Oboh criticised unverified media reports for risking democratic erosion: “Misinformation in political reporting does not merely mislead the public; it risks undermining democratic processes, fueling unnecessary tension within parties, and eroding confidence in institutional procedures.”
The ADC reaffirmed commitment to internal processes, with Oboh stating: “The elders of the South-South remain united, disciplined, and committed to due process. No endorsement took place. Any narrative suggesting otherwise is false and should be disregarded.”
Party officials offered no further details on Amaechi’s aspirations or the meeting’s outcomes.
