The African Democratic Congress (ADC) South-South Zonal leadership has refuted reports that it has supported Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, for president.
John Odigie-Oyegun, the South-South national leader, was said to have previously declared that the zone was fully in support of Amaechi.
In a statement released on Saturday, Mabel Oboh, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, spoke on behalf of the zonal leadership and called the stories “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
The meeting in Oyegun’s home in Benin, according to Oboh, was planned to improve grassroots mobilization, foster internal unity, and strategically position the party for upcoming elections.
These weren’t just any visitors. They were seasoned political leaders with decades of expertise in democratic practice, party administration, and governance.
He stated, “It is incorrect and nonsensical to suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement.”
Oboh highlighted Amaechi’s decision to formally inform regional leaders of his desire to run for the party’s presidential ticket during the meeting as a conscientious consultation with his geopolitical zone.
“Courtesy is not coronation, and consultation is not endorsement.” It cannot be interpreted as a show of support to receive a well-known South-South son who decided to formally brief his area leaders, he said.
Oboh emphasized that no motion, resolution, vote, or agreement to support any candidate was ever made prior to, during, or following the meeting.
As this would undermine the idea of internal democracy, the leaders did not support Amaechi or anyone else, she continued.
She further emphasized how improbable the accusation is given Oyegun’s political background.
Oboh went on to say, “It is unthinkable that a leader of his caliber would jeopardize the very democratic institutions he has spent decades bolstering.”
