RismadarVoice Reporters, February 28, 2026
The South-South Zonal Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed reports alleging that its national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other regional leaders endorsed former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for the presidency.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, described the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
Oboh explained that the February 27 meeting held at Oyegun’s residence in Benin brought together party elders, senior stakeholders and state representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States. She said the gathering was convened to strengthen internal cohesion, deepen grassroots mobilisation and strategically position the party for future elections.
“These were not casual attendees but seasoned political leaders with decades of experience in governance and party administration. To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical,” she stated.
According to her, Amaechi used the opportunity to formally inform leaders from his geopolitical zone of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket ahead of next year’s election. She described the move as a courtesy consultation rather than an endorsement.
“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation. Receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to formally brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support,” Oboh said.
She stressed that at no point during the meeting was any motion moved, resolution adopted, vote taken or consensus reached to endorse any aspirant, adding that doing so would negate the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Oboh further noted that Chief Oyegun’s political pedigree as a former national chairman of a ruling party makes the allegation implausible, insisting that he remains committed to constitutional order and due process within party structures.
The zonal spokesperson also faulted sections of the media for publishing the endorsement claims without proper verification, warning that misinformation could undermine democratic processes and create unnecessary tension within political parties.
Reaffirming the unity of the South-South bloc, she maintained that the meeting focused strictly on party growth and structural consolidation.
“The elders of the South-South remain united, disciplined and committed to due process. No endorsement took place. Any narrative suggesting otherwise is false and should be disregarded,” she said.
