Political economist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Pat Utomi, has dismissed claims that the party’s South-South leadership endorsed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for the 2027 presidential ticket.
The clarification follows reports from a regional meeting of the party held in Benin City, where Amaechi declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting, attended by key party leaders in the South-South, was presided over by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun.
Amaechi, while addressing the gathering, formally informed leaders of his ambition to run for the presidency under the ADC platform.
In a video from the meeting, Odigie-Oyegun praised the former minister for consulting leaders in his region, describing it as a sign of respect.
“We were very pleased to thank him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone… for ensuring, like any good son, that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it,” he said.
He further stated that leaders at the meeting had resolved to support Amaechi’s ambition, claiming a unanimous decision was reached to back him.
However, Utomi swiftly countered that narrative, insisting that no such endorsement was given.
“In Benin, ADC South-South leaders met. Chibuike Amaechi announced interest in contesting for the party’s presidential ticket. His request was received, as is the tradition. No discussion took place on the matter,” he wrote on X.
He added that any suggestion of endorsement was “inaccurate and disingenuous.”
The conflicting accounts have sparked fresh debate within the party, raising questions about internal consensus as the race for the 2027 presidential ticket begins to take shape.
