In a significant political clarification ahead of the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, the South-South zonal leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emphatically denied reports that it endorsed former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the party’s consensus candidate. The rebuttal comes amid widespread circulation of media narratives suggesting that key ADC figures from the South-South geopolitical zone had thrown their weight behind Amaechi’s presidential ambitions.
Leadership Clarifies Intent of Zonal Meeting
The controversy stems from a February 27 gathering at the residence of former national ruling party chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City, Edo State, where Amaechi formally notified regional leaders of his intention to seek the ADC’s presidential ticket. However, according to Mabel Oboh, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, the purpose of the meeting was mischaracterised by some media outlets.
In a statement issued on February 28, Oboh described reports of an endorsement as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.” She stressed that the meeting was organised to strengthen internal party cohesion, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and strategically position the party for future electoral contests, not to make any formal political endorsements on behalf of the zone.
“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation,” Oboh said, emphasising that no motion was moved, no resolution adopted, no vote taken, and no consensus reached in support of Amaechi or any other presidential aspirant during the session.
Democratic Principles Underlined
Oboh further highlighted the importance of upholding internal party democracy and constitutional processes. She pointed out that the authority to nominate and elect candidates lies with the party’s recognised organs and its members, not a small group of leaders at a zonal consultation meeting.
According to her, turning a courtesy briefing into a headline endorsement undermines both the ADC’s internal democratic framework and broader democratic norms in Nigerian politics. “Misinformation in political reporting does not merely mislead the public; it risks undermining democratic processes, fueling unnecessary tension within parties, and eroding confidence in institutional procedures,” she warned.
Pat Utomi Denies Endorsement Claim
Adding weight to the South-South leaders’ position, Professor Pat Utomi, a senior ADC chieftain and respected academic, addressed the dispute publicly. In a post shared on social media platform X, Utomi made it clear that no endorsement occurred at the meeting, affirming that Amaechi’s announcement of interest was merely received according to party tradition and protocol. “No word of discussion took place on the matter. Representation of endorsement is inaccurate and disingenuous,” he stated.
Utomi’s clarification reinforces the view of Oboh and other party officials that the alleged endorsement narrative was a misinterpretation — or misreporting — of events at the Benin City gathering.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges facing political communications and media reporting in Nigeria’s evolving democratic environment. With the 2027 elections approaching, political actors remain sensitive to how narratives are shaped and disseminated, particularly when national aspirations and internal party dynamics are involved.
For the ADC’s South-South leadership, the swift denial serves two purposes: dispelling inaccurate reports that could suggest internal bias or division — and reinforcing a commitment to democratic values and due process within party structures.
As the presidential race intensifies, political parties and their supporters are likely to face increased scrutiny over statements and appearances. This episode highlights the growing need for responsible reporting and careful communication from all stakeholders in Nigeria’s political landscape.
