The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently embroiled in a fierce internal dispute following claims that former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, was endorsed as the party’s South-South consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 elections .
The controversy stems from a February 27 meeting of South-South zonal leaders held at the Benin City residence of former Edo State Governor and ADC leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. While some leaders insist Amaechi received unanimous backing, others have strongly rejected this narrative .
The Pro-Endorsement Camp
Odigie-Oyegun, who chaired the meeting, told journalists that a unanimous decision was taken to support Amaechi’s presidential ambition. In a video circulated by Amaechi himself, Odigie-Oyegun stated: “We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of this 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” .
Supporting this position, the party’s National Vice Chairman for South-South, Usani Uguru Usani, explained that after Amaechi declared his interest and sought the zone’s backing, Odigie-Oyegun called for a voice vote. “At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative ‘AY’ while a contrary call had no ‘NAY’ response. This applause was a pledge to support him, which can be interpreted as endorsement” .
However, Usani clarified that the endorsement “does not compel individual actions based on conviction” and does not foreclose support for other aspirants from the zone, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who are also seeking the ADC presidential ticket .
The Anti-Endorsement Camp
In a sharp rebuttal, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, described reports of Amaechi’s endorsement as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality” .
Oboh insisted that the February 27 gathering was organized to strengthen internal cohesion and deepen grassroots mobilisation, not to endorse any individual. “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 stated emphatically .
She 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” .
Adding to the rebuttal, National Deputy Publicity Secretary Jackie Wayas also distanced herself from the endorsement claims. “Consultation must not be misconstrued as endorsement. Engagement does not amount to adoption,” she said, reaffirming that no candidate was endorsed at the meeting .
Obidient Movement Weighs In
The Obidient Movement, which backs Peter Obi’s aspiration, also dismissed the endorsement claims. National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko stated unequivocally: “They denied it. They said it was not an endorsement. Mr. Amaechi came visiting and told them he was running” .
Similarly, the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council, through Chairman Chief Chris Biose, clarified that while Amaechi presented his ambition, Odigie-Oyegun reportedly stopped a motion for unanimous endorsement before it could be concluded .
Utomi’s Intervention
Renowned political economist and ADC chieftain, Prof. Pat Utomi, weighed in on the controversy via X (formerly Twitter), stating: “In Benin, ADC South-South leaders met. Chibuike Amaechi announced interest in contesting for the party’s presidential ticket. His request was received, as is the tradition. No discussion took place on the matter. Any representation of endorsement is inaccurate and disingenuous” .
Implications for 2027
The conflicting accounts underscore deep divisions within the ADC as opposition parties scramble to present a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in 2027. With Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and now Amaechi all angling for the ADC ticket, the party faces the daunting challenge of managing multiple heavyweight ambitions without tearing itself apart .
As political analyst Shola Okesuna noted, the opposition’s ability to unite will determine whether it can mount a credible challenge against an APC armed with the power of incumbency .
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