The South-South leadership of the African Democratic Congress has clarified events surrounding a recent regional meeting where former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi declared interest in the 2027 presidential election. The clarification follows reactions trailing what some participants described as an endorsement during the gathering.
Usani Uguru Usani, National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the explanation became necessary to address concerns about internal leadership coordination within the zone. The meeting was held on February 27, 2026.
According to Usani, Amaechi formally informed party leaders of his intention to seek the ADC presidential ticket for the 2027 general election. He also appealed for backing from stakeholders within the South-South geopolitical zone.
Usani explained that after the declaration, a proposal was raised to consider supporting the request. The regional leader, J. Odigie-Oyegun, subsequently addressed the gathering, restating the appeal and urging members to adopt a collective position.
A voice vote was then conducted to determine the mood of the meeting. Usani stated that the response was largely affirmative, with no opposing voice recorded at the time. He noted that the outcome was interpreted as a pledge of support for Amaechi’s aspiration.
However, he stressed that the development does not bind individual members to a fixed position. He added that it does not invalidate the presence of support bases for other potential aspirants within the region.
The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions within the ADC over zoning and internal party alignment ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
