In a decisive political move that has sent ripples across the South-South geopolitical zone and beyond, leaders of the African Democratic Congress from the region have formally declared their unanimous support for the presidential aspiration of Rotimi Amaechi, describing the endorsement as a collective decision rooted in conviction, strategic foresight, and a shared vision for Nigeria’s future. The declaration was made at a high-level consultative meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, where party stakeholders converged to assess the political direction of the party ahead of the next general election cycle and to present a united front on the choice of a candidate they believe possesses the experience and capacity to lead the country through its current challenges.
Addressing party faithful and regional leaders at the gathering, John Odigie-Oyegun, who chaired the session and played a central role in facilitating the consultations, announced that the decision to back Amaechi emerged from broad-based deliberations among South-South leaders of the ADC. He explained that the endorsement was not the product of pressure or political horse-trading but the outcome of sincere conversations about competence, leadership record, national outlook, and the urgent need for a unifying figure capable of navigating Nigeria’s complex political and socio-economic terrain. According to him, the leaders unanimously agreed to give Amaechi their full support for the ADC presidential ticket, a move he described as both strategic and principled.
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The meeting brought together party executives, elders, youth representatives, and women leaders from across the six states of the South-South, all of whom contributed perspectives on the future direction of the party and the type of leadership Nigeria requires at this critical juncture. Speakers at the gathering highlighted Amaechi’s political journey, recalling his years of public service and his reputation as a leader known for firmness, administrative capacity, and willingness to take difficult decisions. They argued that the nation is in need of leadership that combines experience with courage, and a willingness to confront long-standing structural problems head-on rather than offering cosmetic solutions.
Amaechi’s political career, spanning legislative leadership, state governance, and national executive responsibilities, was cited by several speakers as evidence of his readiness to shoulder the burden of national leadership. Supporters at the meeting pointed to his tenure as governor of Rivers State, where he was credited with driving infrastructural development and reforms in education and governance, as well as his later role at the federal level, where he gained exposure to national policy coordination and large-scale project management. For the ADC South-South leaders, these experiences collectively position him as a candidate with a practical understanding of both grassroots governance and the demands of federal leadership.
Beyond personal credentials, the endorsement was framed as part of a broader effort by the ADC to present itself as a serious alternative in Nigeria’s political space, especially at a time when public confidence in traditional political structures continues to waver. Leaders at the meeting emphasized that the party is determined to move beyond rhetoric and symbolism by fielding candidates with proven capacity and a track record of public service. They noted that the decision to rally behind Amaechi was also informed by the need to build a bridge between different regions of the country, presenting a candidate who, while rooted in the South-South, commands recognition and political networks across Nigeria.
The atmosphere at the meeting reflected both urgency and cautious optimism. Participants spoke of the socio-economic pressures facing ordinary Nigerians, including rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity, and declining public trust in governance. In their view, these challenges require leadership that can inspire confidence, mobilize competent teams, and pursue reforms that translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. Several speakers called on the party leadership to complement the endorsement with a robust policy framework that addresses economic revival, security sector reform, youth empowerment, and institutional accountability, arguing that personalities alone cannot drive national transformation without clear, people-centered programmes.
Party leaders also used the occasion to call for unity within the ADC, urging members across regions to rally around the emerging consensus from the South-South while allowing space for democratic competition within the party’s internal processes. They stressed that endorsements should strengthen, not weaken, party cohesion, and encouraged other zones to conduct similar consultations in the spirit of building a strong, nationally representative platform ahead of the primaries. The South-South bloc pledged to mobilize its structures at the grassroots level to build momentum for Amaechi’s candidacy, while also committing to support the party’s broader organizational growth in the region.
While Amaechi was not present at the meeting, messages of goodwill were extended to him, with leaders expressing confidence that he would respond to the endorsement with humility and a clear articulation of his vision for the country. Some speakers noted that the endorsement should be seen as an invitation for deeper engagement with party members and the Nigerian public, rather than a declaration of entitlement. They emphasized that the ultimate goal is to present a credible, unifying candidate capable of galvanizing broad support across ethnic, religious, and regional lines.
The endorsement by the ADC South-South leaders marks an early but significant step in the party’s internal realignments ahead of the presidential race, signaling the region’s intent to play a proactive role in shaping the party’s national direction. Whether this move will translate into wider consensus within the ADC remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly set the tone for heightened political activity and negotiations within the party’s ranks. As the political landscape gradually shifts toward the next election cycle, the decision underscores the growing determination among smaller parties to assert relevance by coalescing around candidates with national stature and governance experience.
For observers, the South-South endorsement of Amaechi reflects both regional solidarity and a calculated attempt to position the ADC as a viable platform for serious contenders, challenging the dominance of established political blocs. In the coming months, attention will turn to how other regions within the party respond, how Amaechi articulates his national vision, and whether the ADC can translate internal endorsements into a compelling national campaign that resonates with a population eager for credible alternatives and meaningful change.
