Key figures of the African Democratic Congress in the South-South geopolitical zone have endorsed former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as their preferred aspirant for the 2027 presidential election.
The position of the zone was made public on Friday by ex-Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, at a consultative meeting of party leaders held in Benin City.
Odigie-Oyegun disclosed that Amaechi formally notified leaders of the region of his intention to seek the presidency on the platform of the ADC, adding that the announcement was greeted with widespread approval from stakeholders.
He said the leaders commended the former minister for what they described as his respect for the zone by consulting them before fully launching his ambition, rather than building independent political structures without their knowledge.
According to him, the meeting ended with a unanimous resolution to rally behind Amaechi and provide the necessary backing for his quest.
He added that the South-South leaders would continue to meet periodically to harmonise their positions and strengthen the party’s influence in the region.
Amaechi had earlier declared in July 2025 that he would serve only one term if he secures the ADC ticket and wins the 2027 presidential poll.
He has repeatedly advocated that the party should zone its ticket to the South in line with the principle of power rotation.
The former Minister of Transportation maintained that the South deserves to complete an eight-year stretch before leadership returns to the North, cautioning that presenting a northern candidate could diminish the party’s appeal in the region.
Amaechi previously contested for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress in 2022 but lost to President Bola Tinubu. While some aspirants stepped down in Tinubu’s favour, Amaechi remained in contention and emerged runner-up.
Also said to be eyeing the ADC presidential ticket are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, both of whom contested the 2023 presidential election on different platforms.
