The South-South leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently held a strategic meeting focused on deepening unity and reinforcing the party’s structure across the region. The session brought together critical stakeholders and party leaders to review the party’s progress and agree on a coordinated way forward.
At the meeting, His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi formally notified the regional leadership of his intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket. His declaration was presented as a consultative step with his geopolitical zone, reflecting respect for due process and party tradition.
However, consultation must not be misconstrued as endorsement. Engagement does not amount to adoption.
Leaders were clear that the meeting’s purpose was to strengthen unity and consolidate the party’s base, not to confer support on any aspirant.
Similarly, Cross River State leader, His Excellency Liyel Imoke, reiterated the South-South chapter’s commitment to cohesion and strategic growth. he emphasized that the objective remains the stability, expansion, and success of the ADC as a political platform. He encouraged members to remain aligned with the broader vision of building a formidable regional and national structure.
For the avoidance of doubt, no candidate was endorsed at the meeting. At no point before, during, or after the gathering was any motion introduced, resolution passed, vote conducted, or consensus reached in support of any aspirant.
Furthermore, suggestions that party elders acted outside established procedures are unfounded. Given the longstanding record of leaders such as John Odigie-Oyegun, whose career reflects a deep respect for due process and institutional order, such claims are highly implausible. It would be inconsistent with his legacy to undermine the democratic frameworks he has consistently upheld.
It should be made clear that the ADC remains committed to internal democracy, noting that the power to nominate and elect candidates rests with constitutionally recognised organs of the party and with its members, not with a handful of leaders at a zonal consultation.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve among South-South leaders to continue working together to build a stronger, more united ADC capable of advancing its vision both within the region and across the country.
