Leaders of the African Democratic Congress in the South-South zone have thrown their weight behind the presidential ambition of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, ahead of other hopefuls, including ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi.
The endorsement was disclosed on Friday by former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, during a consultative meeting of ADC stakeholders in Benin City.
Odigie-Oyegun said Amaechi used the forum to formally intimate leaders of the zone of his intention to contest the presidency, a move he noted was warmly received by party stakeholders across the region.
According to him, the gathering appreciated Amaechi for briefing leaders before embarking on his campaign and commended what he described as the former minister’s respect for established structures within the zone.
He stated that the leaders unanimously resolved to support Amaechi’s aspiration and pledged to sustain regular consultations to strengthen the party’s footing in the South-South.
Amaechi had, in July 2025, announced his willingness to serve a single term if he clinches the ADC presidential ticket and emerges victorious in the 2027 general election.
He has consistently canvassed for the party to present a southern candidate, citing the principle of power rotation.
The former Minister of Transportation argued that the South should complete an eight-year tenure before power shifts back to the North, warning that fielding a northern aspirant could erode the party’s support base in the region.
Amaechi previously sought the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress in 2022 but lost to Bola Tinubu. Despite calls by some aspirants to step down, he remained in the race and finished second.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Obi, who ran in the 2023 presidential election on separate platforms, have also signalled interest in contesting the ADC ticket ahead of 2027.