By Eteteonline Team
Following the Electoral Amendment’s passage and the setting of dates for both federal and state elections, candidates and political parties have been talking, planning, and uniting for the best possible result as the general elections of 2027 draw near.
To determine their future and that of the party, chieftains of the biggest opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have been consulting.
The ADC’s South-South zonal leadership met with ADC chieftain Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in his home in Benin City, Edo State, on February 27, 2026.
Former Rivers State Governor and Transport Minister, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, was reportedly approved as the zone’s consensus candidate following the consultative gathering of ADC leaders. At the consultative meeting, Chief Odigie-Oyegun declared that the South-South group had unanimously decided on Amaechi’s goal to become president in 2027. According to him, the choice was made to provide Amaechi with all the assistance he requires to fulfill his ambition.
Regarding the leaders’ support for Amaechi, two ADC national officers who were present at the zonal meeting disagreed. Usani Uguru Usani, the national vice chairman South-South of the ADC, confirmed Odigie-Oyegun’s statements that Amaechi had been unanimously accepted. He also provided an explanation of the process that led to the adoption.
Mr. Usani has made it clear that supporting Rotimi Amaechi for president in 2027 does not negate support for other candidates. Usani said in a statement on Saturday, February 28, 2026, headed “Re: South-South Leadership Meeting of 27 February 2026 and Arising Fallouts” that the applause and voice vote Amaechi received should be interpreted as a pledge of support rather than a legally binding mandate on individual members.
However, Mabel Oboh, the ADC South-South publicity secretary, refuted Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s claim on Saturday, February 28, 2026, calling it deceptive. She said that at the meeting, no such endorsement had occurred. According to her, no resolution was passed endorsing any candidate after Amaechi informed the leaders of his plan to run for the ADC presidential candidacy.
Oboh said at no time, before, or during the meeting, a resolution was approved, a vote was held, a motion was made, or a consensus was achieved to support any candidate following the meeting.
She said it was unthinkable that a leader with Odigie-Oyegun’s background would jeopardize the various democratic institutions he has worked to fortify for decades.
Amaechi has not received the South-South zone’s support, according to the Obidient Movement, which supports Mr. Peter Obi, another ADC stalwart.
Is the ADC’s major battle for the 2027 presidential nomination just getting started? Have your say.
Add comment