A prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Pat Utomi, has refuted claims that the party’s South-South leaders endorsed former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Earlier, ADC chieftain John Odigie-Oyegun had suggested that leaders from the South-South region resolved to back Amaechi’s presidential ambition after he met with them to formally declare his interest in contesting under the party’s platform.
Odigie-Oyegun stated that the leaders appreciated Amaechi for informing them of his plans before building political structures in the region and described the reception as positive, adding that support was unanimously pledged for his ambition.
However, Utomi countered the endorsement narrative in a post on 𝕏, clarifying that no such decision was taken during the meeting held in Benin. According to him, Amaechi merely announced his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket, and the declaration was received in line with tradition, without any discussion or resolution endorsing him.
He described reports portraying the meeting as an endorsement as inaccurate and misleading.
Amaechi has since publicly confirmed his intention to run for president in 2027 on the ADC platform. He is expected to compete with other aspirants, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who have also declared their interest.