The South-South leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has explained that what transpired at its meeting was not an endorsement of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Instead, the zone received an indication from the former minister of transportation that he intends to contest the 2027 presidential elections.

Through its National Vice Chairman, Usani Uguru Usani, the zone explained that the gathering received the former Rivers State Governor, who solicited the zone’s support to enhance his presidential ambition, not an endorsement.

There have been media reports that the South-South zone of the ADC endorsed Amaechi for the presidential elections.

Providing more insight, the Zonal Vice Chairman said that after declaring his intention and soliciting the support of the zone, there was a suggestion of a motion to uphold Amaechi’s request.

The vice chairman said that after the motion was carried, there was applause that could be interpreted as an endorsement.

According to him: “Whereas the forum ignited certain issues of internal leadership organisation within the ADC in the South-South, the following developments, amongst others, ensued.

“His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi declared his interest in bidding for the presidential seat in the 2027 election.

“He solicited our support as people from his geopolitical base. There was a suggestion for a motion to uphold the request.

“A brief remark was made to recap the request and the importance of having a general opinion on the issue by the regional leader, His Excellency Chief John Oyegun.”

He continued, “Ultimately, he called for a voice vote to respond to this appeal. At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative AY while a contrary call had no NAY response.

“This applause was a pledge to support him, which can be interpreted as an endorsement. Notably, this development does not compel individual actions based on conviction. It does not also imply that support base for other aspirants within the zone is non-existent.

“I find it compelling to offer this step-by-step procedure in order to guarantee the integrity of participants and equally secure the harmony of the forum as we look forward to more challenging eventualities in our general struggle,” he declared.