The South-South Zonal Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied reports claiming that leaders of the party in the region endorsed former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for the presidency.
In a statement issued on behalf of the zonal leadership, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, described the reports as misleading and inconsistent with democratic practice.
She said claims that the party’s National Leader in the zone, former Edo State Governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other regional leaders endorsed Amaechi were false and misrepresented the outcome of a recent meeting.
Oboh explained that the February 27 meeting, held at Oyegun’s residence, brought together party elders, senior stakeholders and state representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States.
According to her, the gathering was organised to strengthen internal unity, deepen grassroots mobilisation and strategically position the party for future elections.
“These were not casual attendees,” she said. “They were seasoned political leaders with decades of experience in governance, party administration and democratic practice. To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical.”
She clarified that during the meeting, Amaechi merely informed regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket, describing the move as a consultation with his geopolitical zone.
“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation,” Oboh stated. “Receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to formally brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support.”
The ADC spokesperson 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.
She added that Oyegun’s political background made the allegation particularly unlikely, noting that as a former national chairman of a ruling political party and a longstanding advocate of constitutional order, he understands the importance of due process and institutional discipline.
“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” she said.
Oboh also expressed concern that some media organisations published reports of an endorsement without proper verification, warning that misinformation could undermine democratic processes and create unnecessary tension within political parties.
“In a fragile political climate, responsible journalism is not optional; it is essential,” she added.
She reaffirmed that the ADC remains committed to internal democracy, stressing that the power to nominate candidates rests with constitutionally recognised organs of the party and its members, not with a zonal consultation meeting.
According to her, the South-South leadership remains united and focused on party growth rather than premature political alignment.
“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,” she concluded.
Similarly, political economist and ADC chieftain, Prof. Pat Utomi, also dismissed claims of an endorsement.
Writing on X on Saturday, Utomi stated that the meeting held in Benin was merely a consultation during which Amaechi announced his intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
“His request was received, as is the tradition. No discussion took place on the matter,” Utomi said, adding that “any representation of endorsement is inaccurate and disingenuous.”
