2027 Polls: ADC South-South Leaders Deny Endorsing Any Presidential Aspirant

The South-South leadership of the African Democratic Congress has dismissed reports suggesting that it endorsed a presidential aspirant during a recent strategic meeting held to strengthen the party’s structure in the region.

The meeting, which brought together influential party stakeholders, was convened to review organisational progress and chart a coordinated path toward expanding the party’s political footprint across the South-South.

In a statement issued by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, on Saturday, the party clarified that although former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, formally informed the zonal leadership of his intention to seek the ADC presidential ticket, his appearance was strictly consultative.

Wayas noted that Amaechi’s declaration was presented in line with party tradition, which encourages aspirants to engage their geopolitical zones before entering the national contest.

She stressed, however, that such consultation should not be misconstrued as endorsement.

“Engagement does not amount to adoption,” she said, adding that the gathering was principally focused on strengthening internal unity rather than backing any individual aspirant.

Also speaking at the meeting, former governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Liyel Imoke, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to maintaining cohesion and driving strategic growth within the party.

Imoke emphasised that the priority for the South-South remains building a stable and formidable ADC structure both regionally and nationally.

For the avoidance of doubt, the party reiterated that no endorsement was made at any stage of the meeting.

According to the statement, no motion was introduced, no vote was taken, and no consensus was reached in favour of any aspirant.

The ADC also refuted claims that some party elders acted outside established procedures. The statement described such allegations as “implausible,” particularly in regard to senior figures like former national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, whose public service record reflects consistent respect for democratic processes.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, noting that the authority to nominate or elect candidates lies solely with constitutionally recognised organs of the ADC and its members.

The South-South meeting ended with a shared resolve among leaders to intensify efforts toward building a more unified and resilient party capable of advancing its vision across the country.