‘Voice Vote Signals South-South Support for Amaechi, Not Binding Directive’ — ADC Vice-Chair

Usani Uguru Usani, national vice-chairman (south-south) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the voice vote that followed Rotimi Amaechi’s declaration of interest in the 2027 presidential race reflects support from leaders in the region but does not override the rights of other aspirants.

In a statement issued Saturday, Usani addressed reactions trailing the South-South leadership meeting held on February 27, 2026. He explained that Amaechi informed stakeholders at the gathering of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket in 2027 and requested their backing.

According to Usani, a motion was raised to consider the request after brief remarks were made to provide context. He added that input was sought from John Odigie-Oyegun, described in the statement as a regional leader, before the matter was put to a voice vote.

“At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative ‘aye’ while no opposing ‘nay’ was heard,” the statement said.

Usani noted that the response indicated the mood of the meeting and amounted to an endorsement of Amaechi’s aspiration. However, he stressed that the outcome should not be interpreted as a compulsory directive for all party members in the South-South zone.

He said the endorsement expressed goodwill and solidarity but does not eliminate support for other potential contenders within the region. Individual members, he added, remain free to act according to their convictions as the party prepares for its primary process.

The development has sparked discussions within ADC circles over the scope of the endorsement and its implications for other aspirants ahead of the 2027 general election.

In July 2025, Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and ex-minister of transportation, said he would serve a single term if he secures the ADC ticket and wins the presidential election. He also urged the party to consider fielding a candidate from the South to complete an eight-year cycle before power shifts to the North.