Ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, youth leaders across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have declared support for former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to fly the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

The youth leaders also strongly rejected what they described as an “unfortunate statement” made on Friday by the Enugu State Chairman of the party, who claimed that ADC members in the state were backing the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Enugu, the youth leaders, led by Festus Ifesinachi Omeh, said they believe the presidency should remain in the South in 2027 in the interest of equity, fairness, and justice.

They also called on the National Executive Council of the ADC in Abuja to urgently address developments in Enugu State to ensure transparency, fairness, and peace within the party ahead of the presidential primary election.

Omeh said no amount of sponsorship, intimidation, or propaganda can suppress the voice of the people.

He stated that the chairman’s comment does not represent the position, mood, or wishes of the majority of ADC members and youths in Enugu State, describing it as false and misleading.

“For the sake of equity, fairness, and justice, we strongly believe that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027. Nigeria cannot preach balance and national unity while attempting to abruptly return power to the North after only one Southern tenure,” Omeh said.

He added that the youths reject any attempt to manipulate the genuine wishes of ADC members in the state.

According to him, ADC youths in Enugu State will not support or vote for Atiku Abubakar, insisting they are fully aligned with Rotimi Amaechi as the only southern aspirant who has declared under the party.

“We are fully committed to supporting Rotimi Amaechi, whom we believe represents courage, competence, fairness, and national balance,” he said.

The youths also warned against any form of manipulation, rigging, alteration, or misrepresentation of votes during the party’s processes scheduled for the 25th, insisting that the will of members must prevail.

They urged the party leadership to ensure a transparent and credible process, warning that any attempt to impose predetermined outcomes would be resisted democratically and lawfully.

They further called on the ADC National Executive Council to intervene in Enugu State to guarantee internal democracy and prevent avoidable tension, stressing that the majority of party faithful in the state are united in support of Amaechi.