South-South Zonal leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have denied reports claiming that its national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and others during the week gave former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi the region’s endorsement for the presidential ticket in 2027.
In a statement on Saturday, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Ms Mabel Oboh, called the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
The February 27 meeting, held at Oyegun’s residence in Benin, gathered respected party elders, senior stakeholders, and state representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.
Amaechi seized the opportunity of the meeting to formally inform regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket.
The former Minister of Transportation comes from Rivers State in the South-South zone.
Oboh described Amaechi informing zonal leaders of his ambition as a respectful consultation with his geopolitical zone.
According to Oboh, the gathering was organised to strengthen internal cohesion, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and position the party strategically for future electoral contests.
“These were not casual attendees. They were seasoned political leaders, individuals 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.”
During the meeting, Amaechi formally informed regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket, a move Oboh described as a respectful consultation with his geopolitical zone.
“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.”
Oboh emphasised 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, “The leaders did not endorse Amaechi or any other person as this will negate the principle of internal democracy.”
According to Oboh, Oyegun’s political history makes the allegation particularly implausible.
As a former National Chairman of a ruling political party and a longstanding advocate of constitutional order within party systems, Oyegun, she said, understands the weight of process and institutional discipline.
“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” Oboh added.
The zonal spokesperson expressed disappointment that some media houses published the endorsement narrative without thorough verification, warning that such reporting carried broader implications.
“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. In a fragile political climate, responsible journalism is not optional; it is essential.”
She said ADC remained committed to internal democracy, and that the power to nominate and elect candidates rested with constitutionally recognised organs of the party and ultimately with its members, not with a handful of leaders at a zonal consultation.
“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.”
