Fresh cracks have surfaced within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following conflicting accounts from two senior South-South leaders over whether the zone officially endorsed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, at its February 27, 2026 meeting.
What was meant to be a strategic gathering to strengthen the party’s regional structure quickly took a political twist after Amaechi formally declared his intention to contest for the ADC presidential ticket. Addressing delegates at the meeting, the former Rivers State governor reportedly appealed for the backing of the South-South bloc ahead of the party’s national primaries.
According to the ADC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, the response from delegates was loud and unmistakable. Usani disclosed that after a recap by respected party leader John Odigie-Oyegun, a voice vote was conducted.
He claimed the hall erupted in a resounding and unanimous “AY,” with no dissenting “NAY,” which many attendees interpreted as a clear endorsement of Amaechi’s presidential ambition. The development was immediately seen by some observers as a major political boost for the former minister within the South-South region.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically when the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, issued a counter-statement distancing the zone from any endorsement. Wayas insisted that Amaechi’s appearance was purely consultative and consistent with party tradition, which encourages aspirants to engage their geopolitical zones before formally entering the national contest.
She maintained that the primary purpose of the meeting was organisational review and restructuring, not the endorsement of any presidential hopeful. According to her, no motion was moved, no formal vote was recorded, and no consensus decision was reached, directly contradicting Usani’s version of events.
Also present at the gathering was former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, who reportedly urged party members to remain united and focused on strengthening the ADC’s internal structures. Imoke acknowledged that political consultations often generate excitement but cautioned against allowing enthusiasm to overshadow due process and the party’s long-term strategic planning.
The conflicting statements have now sparked debate among party members and political observers alike. Did the South-South formally endorse Amaechi, or was the reaction in the hall merely an expression of support during a routine consultative visit?
Senior party figures have also dismissed insinuations that established leaders acted outside laid-down procedures, noting that individuals like Odigie-Oyegun are widely regarded for their commitment to democratic norms.
As the 2026 political season gathers momentum, the ADC may now face the delicate task of managing internal perceptions while preserving unity ahead of what promises to be a competitive presidential primary race.
