Drama In ADC: South-South Zone Denies Backing Amaechi, Blasts Oyegun’s Statement

The South-South zonal leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted claims that it endorsed the presidential ambition of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Earlier, South-South national leader John Odigie-Oyegun had stated that the region was firmly backing Amaechi’s bid.

Responding on behalf of the zonal leadership, South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh, in a statement issued on Saturday, described the endorsement reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”

Oboh explained that the meeting held at Oyegun’s residence in Benin was convened to foster unity within the party, enhance grassroots mobilisation, and strategically prepare for future elections.

“These were not casual participants but experienced political figures with decades of involvement in governance, party administration, and democratic processes. To imply that such individuals would disregard constitutional procedures for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical,” she said.

According to Oboh, Amaechi used the opportunity to formally notify leaders from his geopolitical zone of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket, which she described as a courtesy consultation.

“Consultation does not amount to endorsement, and courtesy should not be mistaken for coronation. Hosting a prominent son of the South-South who chose to brief regional leaders cannot be misrepresented as a declaration of support,” she stated.

Oboh emphasised that no motion was moved, no resolution passed, no vote conducted, and no consensus reached at the meeting to endorse any aspirant.

“The leaders did not endorse Amaechi or anyone else, as doing so would contradict the principles of internal democracy,” she added.

She further noted that Oyegun’s longstanding political career makes such claims difficult to reconcile with his record.

“It is hard to imagine that a leader of his standing would undermine the democratic structures he has spent years building,” Oboh concluded.