Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone have agreed to throw their support behind former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. The announcement was made by ADC chieftain John Odigie-Oyegun on Friday, as political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the next general election.
According to a Media Talk Africa report, Amaechi recently met with ADC leaders from the South-South region to formally declare his intention to seek the party’s nomination. Responding to this development, Odigie-Oyegun, a prominent national figure within the ADC, confirmed the zone’s backing during a press briefing.
“We are glad that our son, His Excellency, 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. He praised Amaechi for demonstrating “respect” towards regional leaders by consulting them before launching his campaign and for avoiding the establishment of parallel personal structures that could undermine the party’s unity in the zone.
The ADC official indicated that the meeting resulted in a consensus. “We were very pleased… a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition,” he said, noting that the South-South leaders would hold regular meetings to share experiences and coordinate strategy. He added that this disciplined approach would enable the zone to “become an example to be emulated by other zone in the nation.”
The ADC is one of Nigeria’s registered political parties, though it holds significantly less prominence than the two major contenders, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State and a key figure within the APC, has not publicly clarified his party affiliation for the 2027 race. His consultation with ADC leaders in the South-South—a region comprising states like Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta—suggests a potential switch or an exploration of alternative platforms.
The South-South zone is a critical electoral battleground due to its substantial population, oil resources, and history of swinging between major parties. A consolidated regional backing for any candidate, particularly from a party like the ADC, could influence the overall dynamics of the presidential election, especially if it prompts realignments within the main opposition parties.
Odigie-Oyegun’s statement signals a strategic effort by ADC figures in the region to coalesce around a high-profile candidate with name recognition and a perceived electoral base. The commitment to regular meetings indicates plans for a sustained, organised campaign structure.
The development highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian pre-election politics, where alliances are tested and reformed years in advance. Amaechi’s next steps will be closely watched to confirm whether the ADC support translates into an official candidacy under the party’s banner, and whether other geopolitical zones will follow the South-South’s lead in rallying behind a single contender.
