South-South Leaders Did Not Endorse Amaechi for ADC Presidential Ticket — Utomi

Political economist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Prof. Pat Utomi, has clarified that the South-South zone of the party did not endorse former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the 2027 presidential election.

The clarification comes following a meeting of ADC South-South leaders on Friday in Edo State, which was presided over by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Amaechi reportedly used the platform to announce his intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.

Addressing Amaechi’s declaration, Odigie-Oyegun said the leaders were pleased to receive the former minister’s briefing and commended him for consulting with his zone before embarking on his ambition. “We were very pleased to thank him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone; for not setting up a personal structure and for informing his people of his intentions,” he said, adding that a unanimous decision was taken to support him in his pursuit.

However, Prof. Utomi took to X on Saturday to correct what he described as a misrepresentation. “In Benin, ADC South-South leaders met. Chibuike Amaechi announced interest in contesting for the party’s presidential ticket. His request was received, as is the tradition. No discussion took place on the matter. Any representation of endorsement is inaccurate and disingenuous,” he said.

The development underscores the ongoing dynamics within ADC as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.