ADC South-south national vice chairman clears air on Amaechi’s 2027 declaration
The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Usani Uguru Usani, has clarified events surrounding the party’s South-South leadership meeting of February 27, 2026, following controversies and
The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Usani Uguru Usani, has clarified events surrounding the party’s South-South leadership meeting of February 27, 2026, following controversies and what he described as the “arising fallouts” from the gathering.
Usani said the clarification became necessary in view of issues that emerged regarding internal leadership organisation within the ADC in the South-South zone, particularly after what he termed the alleged declaration and endorsement of Rotimi Amaechi by party leaders in the region.
Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, reportedly declared his interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election during the meeting.
In a statement issued late on Saturday, Usani outlined the sequence of events at the gathering.
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He said, “I find it compelling to offer this step-by-step procedure in order to guarantee the integrity of participants and equally secure the harmony of the forum as we look forward to more challenging eventualities in our general struggle.
“H.E. Rotimi Amaechi declared his interest in bidding for the presidential seat in the 2027 election.”
According to Usani, Amaechi “solicited our support as people from his geopolitical base.”
He explained that following the declaration, “there was a suggestion for a motion to uphold the request.”
Usani added that before any resolution was reached, a brief remark was made to recap the request and emphasise the need for a collective position, which was delivered by the regional leader, J. Odigie-Oyegun.
“Ultimately, he called for a voice vote to respond to this appeal.
“At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative ‘AY’ while a contra call had no ‘NAY’ response.
“This applause was a pledge to support him, which can be interpreted as endorsement,” he stressed.
However, he clarified the implication of the development, saying, “Notably, this development does not compel individual actions based on conviction. It does not also imply that support base for other aspirants within the zone is non-existent.”
