ADC South-South Leaders Unanimously Endorse Rotimi Amaechi for 2027 Presidential Bid
In a significant political development, leaders of the African Democratic Congress from Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone have formally endorsed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as their preferred candidate for the party's 2027 presidential ticket. The endorsement emerged from a crucial consultative meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, marking a strategic move ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
Unanimous Decision at Benin City Meeting
Former APC National Chairman and prominent ADC chieftain, John Odigie-Oyegun, disclosed that the endorsement followed a unanimous decision during the party's South-South leaders' consultative gathering. The meeting, which took place on Friday, February 27, 2026, brought together key stakeholders from across the region to deliberate on the party's political direction.
"We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of this meeting to brief us formally of his intention to run for the presidency of our great nation," Odigie-Oyegun stated during the announcement. The former Rivers State governor utilized the platform to officially inform regional leaders of his presidential ambition, receiving what was described as overwhelming support from all present stakeholders.
Respectful Approach Earns Regional Backing
According to Odigie-Oyegun, Amaechi was commended for his respectful and inclusive approach in engaging regional leaders before establishing personal political structures. This gesture was particularly noted as demonstrating proper political decorum and regional solidarity.
"We were very pleased. We thanked him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone for not letting loose in this zone, for setting up his own personal structures, for ensuring like every good son that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it," Odigie-Oyegun elaborated.
The ADC chieftain further confirmed that "a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition." This collective backing represents a significant boost to Amaechi's presidential aspirations within the opposition party.
Regular Consultations and Regional Leadership
The South-South leaders have committed to maintaining regular consultations to coordinate their political strategy. Odigie-Oyegun emphasized that the zone aims to establish itself as a model for other regions to emulate in political organization and consensus-building.
"This group of leaders are going to meet regularly to learn from each other's experience. So that as usual, the South-South zone will become an example to be emulated by other zones in the nation," he declared, highlighting the region's intention to play a leading role in national political discourse.
Amaechi's Political Platform and Zoning Argument
The former minister has previously indicated his willingness to serve a single term if he secures the ADC presidential ticket and wins the 2027 general election. This commitment aligns with his advocacy for the principle of power rotation between Nigeria's northern and southern regions.
Amaechi has consistently maintained that the ADC should field a Southern candidate to honor the established rotation tradition. He argues that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure before power shifts back to the North, warning that presenting a northern candidate could potentially weaken the party's appeal in southern regions.
Political Implications and Party Dynamics
The South-South endorsement represents a substantial political advantage for Amaechi as the ADC prepares for its presidential primaries. This development could significantly influence the calculations of other southern aspirants within the opposition space, including prominent figures such as Peter Obi.
Amaechi brings considerable political experience to the race, having previously contested the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress in 2022. During that primary election, he finished second to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrating his national political appeal and organizational capacity.
Electoral Timetable Concerns
As political preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, the ADC has raised serious concerns about the election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The schedule directs political parties to hold primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, which the party leadership has rejected as placing opposition parties at a significant disadvantage.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi has characterized the timeline as creating "an almost impossible hurdle" that could hinder smaller parties from properly fielding candidates. The party cites provisions of the Electoral Act that require strict compliance with membership register submissions, arguing that the compressed schedule favors larger, more established political organizations.
Growing Political Momentum
With regional endorsements now emerging, negotiations and realignments within the ADC are expected to intensify as the party approaches its presidential primaries. The South-South backing provides Amaechi with a solid regional foundation as he builds his national campaign structure.
This development occurs against the backdrop of increased political activity among Nigeria's opposition parties, including recent meetings between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders in Abuja. These gatherings have focused on the 2026 Electoral Act and broader preparations for the upcoming election cycle, indicating heightened political mobilization across the opposition spectrum.
The endorsement from South-South leaders positions Amaechi as a formidable contender within the ADC and adds another layer of complexity to Nigeria's evolving political landscape as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
