ADC South-South Denies Endorsing Amaechi, Labels Oyegun’s Claim Misleading and Illogical

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) South-South Zonal leadership has refuted reports that it has supported Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, for president.

According to reports, John Odigie-Oyegun, the South-South national leader, had previously said that the zone firmly supported Amaechi.

The South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, however, issued a statement on Saturday on behalf of the zonal leadership, calling the stories “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”

Oboh claims that the purpose of the meeting at Oyegun’s home in Benin was to improve grassroots mobilization, foster internal unity, and strategically position the party for upcoming elections.

These were no ordinary guests. They were seasoned political figures with decades of experience in democratic practice, party management, and governing.

“It is erroneous and nonsensical to suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement,” he stated.

Amaechi publicly announced his plan to run for the party’s presidential ticket to regional leaders during the conference; Oboh characterized this as a tactful consultation with his geopolitical zone.

“Courtesy is not coronation, and consultation is not endorsement. It cannot be interpreted as a show of support to welcome a well-known South-South son who decided to formally brief his area leaders, he said.

Oboh emphasized that no motion, resolution, vote, or consensus was established to support any candidate prior to, during, or following the meeting.

“The leaders did not support Amaechi or anybody else because this would undermine the internal democracy principle,” she continued.

She further emphasized that the accusation is especially dubious given Oyegun’s political background.

Oboh continued, “It is unthinkable that a leader with his background would jeopardize the very democratic institutions he has worked for decades to fortify.”