The South-South Zonal Leadership of the African Democratic Congress has denied reports claiming that its national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other regional leaders have endorsed former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for the presidency.
Speaking on behalf of the zonal leadership, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary in a statement on Saturday, Mabel Oboh, described the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
The February 27 meeting, held at Oyegun’s residence in Benin, gathered respected party elders, senior stakeholders, and state representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.
According to Oboh, the gathering was organised to strengthen internal cohesion, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and position the party strategically for future electoral contests.
“These were not casual attendees. They were seasoned political leaders, individuals with decades of experience in governance, party administration, and democratic practice.
“To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical.”
During the meeting, Amaechi formally informed regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket, a move Oboh described as a respectful consultation with his geopolitical zone.
