Former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun, has disclosed that leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-South region have thrown their full support behind Rotimi Amaechi as he pursues the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
Odigie-Oyegun shared this update during a consultative meeting of ADC leaders held in Benin City on Friday, explaining that the gathering served as a platform for Amaechi to formally communicate his presidential intentions to stakeholders in the region.
“We are glad that our son, Amaechi, used this opportunity to brief us directly about his decision to contest for the presidency of our great nation,” he stated.
According to him, the presentation was warmly received, culminating in a unanimous pledge of support from South-South leaders.
The former governor emphasized that Amaechi’s approach demonstrated political maturity and respect for regional structures.
Instead of building independent political machinery without consultation, Amaechi ensured that key stakeholders in his zone were informed before he officially launched his campaign.
Odigie-Oyegun described this as a sign of responsibility, noting, “We were very pleased.
He showed respect to the leaders of the zone, ensuring that his intentions were clearly communicated before he embarked on his political journey.”
The South-South leaders reportedly agreed that the endorsement would be backed by ongoing collaboration and coordination.
Odigie-Oyegun said, “A unanimous decision was taken to provide Amaechi all the support he needs to pursue his ambition.
“This group of leaders will continue to meet regularly, sharing experiences and strategies to strengthen our zone politically.”
Such periodic consultations are intended to make the South-South an example for other regions of unity and strategic planning within the party.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, had earlier in July 2025 declared his readiness to contest for the presidency on the ADC platform, promising that he would serve only a single term if elected.
His campaign argument rests heavily on the principle of power rotation, advocating that the presidency should remain in the South for an eight-year tenure before returning to the North.
He warned that presenting a northern candidate in 2027 could weaken the party’s support base in southern Nigeria, a strategic concern for ADC stakeholders who are focused on consolidating regional loyalty.
The endorsement of Amaechi by South-South leaders comes amid a competitive environment within the ADC.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, both prominent figures in national politics, have also expressed interest in securing the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Observers note that while these aspirants bring their own followings, Amaechi’s strong regional support could give him a strategic edge in the early stages of the party’s nomination process.
Amaechi is no stranger to national-level contests. In 2022, he vied for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While many aspirants stepped down in favor of Bola Tinubu, Amaechi remained in the race until the final voting stage, finishing second.
Analysts suggest that his experience in navigating national party politics, combined with strong support from his home region, positions him as a formidable contender in ADC primaries.
The decision by South-South leaders to endorse Amaechi reflects broader political calculations within the zone.
Historically, the South-South has played a stabilizing and strategic role in Nigerian politics, and its leaders are keen to leverage this influence in 2027.
By uniting behind a single candidate early, the region aims to project cohesion and influence the party’s nomination outcome.
Odigie-Oyegun highlighted this, stating that the group intends to share lessons learned and best practices among leaders to maximize their collective political impact.
Political commentators have also noted that Amaechi’s endorsement could influence other zones’ calculations.
With the South-South acting as a bloc within the ADC, aspirants from other regions may need to adjust their strategies to account for the early consolidation of support around Amaechi.
The former governor’s emphasis on regular meetings among regional leaders further suggests a structured approach to party mobilization and coordination.
