According to a report by The Punch on Sunday, March 1, 2026, a major crisis is rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the controversial “endorsement” of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for the 2027 presidency.

The move, reportedly led by South-South party leaders at the residence of John Oyegun, has sparked immediate backlash from supporters of Peter Obi and other party stakeholders.

While a viral video showed Oyegun pledging unanimous support for Amaechi, several state chairmen within the zone have quickly distanced themselves from the claim.

Delta State Chairman, Okolie Austine, clarified that while they “blessed” Amaechi’s intention, it was merely a courtesy and not a formal adoption.

He insisted that other aspirants, including Peter Obi, would receive similar treatment as the party focuses on internal democracy.

The Obi camp, led by Yunusa Tanko of the Obidient Movement, has slammed the move as premature and divisive. Tanko argued that the party’s current priority should be membership building rather than declaring candidates.

He expressed confidence that the movement holds the numerical majority in the South-South and described the Benin meeting as a “consultation” rather than a coronation.

Adding to the tension, the ADC South-South Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, labeled the endorsement news as misleading and undemocratic. She stressed that no official motion was adopted during the meeting.

However, National Vice Chairman Usani Uguru countered this, stating that a voice vote was taken with a loud “affirmative” response for Amaechi.

With both Amaechi and Obi refusing to settle for a vice-presidential slot, the battle for the ADC ticket is set to be a fierce showdown.

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