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The South-South Zonal leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied claims that it has endorsed the presidential bid of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Naija News reports that the South-South national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun, had earlier announced that the zone was strongly behind Amaechi.
However, speaking on behalf of the zonal leadership, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Saturday, Mabel Oboh, described the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
According to Oboh, the gathering held at Oyegun’s residence in Benin 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,” he said.
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,” he stated.
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.”
She further stressed that Oyegun’s political history makes the allegation particularly implausible.
“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” Oboh added.
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