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..We won’t abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement
By Ola Kay
The Zonal Leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, South-South, has denied reports attributed to its national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other regional leaders that they endorsed former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for the presidency.
The South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, who spoke on behalf of the leadership in a statement on Saturday, Mabel Oboh, described the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”
Putting the record straight, he said that, the February 27 meeting, that took place at Oyegun’s residence in Benin, assembled respected party elders, senior stakeholders, and state representatives from the South South states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.
Oboh emphasized that the gathering was organized to bolster internal cohesion, strengthen grassroots mobilisation, and position the party strategically for future contests.
By the sheer assembly of the crop of personalities in attendance of the meeting , he argued that it couldn’t have been an avenue for endorsing anyone without due process.
Oboh said: “These were not casual attendees. They were seasoned political leaders, individuals with decades of experience in governance, party administration, and democratic practice.
“To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical.”
She revealed that during the parley, Amaechi formally informed regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket, which was accepted as a respectful consultation with his geopolitical zone.
“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation. Receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to formally brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support, ” noted the Publicity Secretary.
She argued that there was never a time before, during, or after the meeting, where any motion was moved, resolution adopted, vote taken, or consensus reached to endorse Amaechi or any aspirant.
“The leaders did not endorse Amaechi or any other person as this will negate the principle of internal democracy.”
She further stressed that Chief Oyegun’s political history makes the allegation particularly implausible. As a former national chairman of a ruling political party and a longstanding advocate of constitutional order within party systems, Oyegun, she said, understands the weight of process and institutional discipline.
“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” Oboh added.
The zonal spokesperson expressed disappointment that some media houses published the endorsement narrative without thorough verification, warning that such reporting carries broader implications.
“Misinformation in political reporting does not merely mislead the public; it risks undermining democratic processes, fueling unnecessary tension within parties, and eroding confidence in institutional procedures. In a fragile political climate, responsible journalism is not optional; it is essential,” Obo explained.
She used the occasion to emphasize the fact that the ADC, as a political party, is committed to internal democracy, stating clearly that the power to nominate and elect candidates rests with constitutionally recognised organs of the party and its members, not with a handful of leaders at a zonal consultation as erroneously claimed in some quarters.
Recall that while the rumours of Amaechi’s endorsement spread across, unsuspecting loyalists had celebrated the moment as a sign of loyalty for their preferred candidate, even as there were no immediate attempts to deny the endorsement claim.
Implications
The Pinnacle Times can hazard a comment that rumours of such an endorsement could mean circumventing the due process within the ranks of the ADC larger structure, where top contenders for the presidency are yet to reach an agreement on the mode of representation.
Again, endorsing Rotimi Amaechi could signal an attempt to introduce ethnic politics into the system, which consequence could spell a blow to the party at large.
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