South-South ADC endorses Amaechi ahead of Obi, others
South-South ADC Leaders Endorse Amaechi’s Presidential Candidacy
BENIN CITY — John Odigie-Oyegun, former governor of Edo State, announced Friday that leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-South region have endorsed Rotimi Amaechi for the presidency, placing him ahead of other candidates, including former Anambra Governor Peter Obi.
Odigie-Oyegun made the declaration during a consultative meeting of ADC leaders in the region. He stated that Amaechi formally expressed his intent to run, garnering unanimous support from local stakeholders.
“We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took this opportunity to inform us of his presidential ambitions,” Odigie-Oyegun said. “We appreciate his respect for the leadership in this zone, as well as his initiative to share his plans with us before moving forward.”
Odigie-Oyegun emphasized the group’s unanimous decision to support Amaechi’s candidacy. “We will continue to convene regularly, allowing our leaders to share experiences so that the South-South region can set an example for others across the nation,” he added.
In July 2025, Amaechi announced his willingness to serve a single term if he secures the ADC presidential nomination and wins the 2027 election. He has consistently advocated for the party to field a southern candidate, aligning with the principle of power rotation.
Amaechi argued that the South should complete an eight-year tenure before power shifts back to the North. He cautioned that nominating a northern candidate could undermine the ADC’s support in the region.
Previously, Amaechi competed for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022, where he finished second to President Bola Tinubu after several aspirants withdrew from the race.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who both ran in the 2023 presidential election on different platforms, have also expressed interest in the ADC ticket for 2027.
