ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a major political realignment that has sent ripples through the capital, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun announced on Friday, February 27, 2026, that the South-South leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unanimously endorsed former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in the struggle for the soul of the opposition, as high-profile figures continue to flee the ruling APC for a chance to challenge the current administration.
The Regional Mandate
Addressing stakeholders and the press, Odigie-Oyegun—the former APC National Chairman who crossed over to the ADC in 2025—confirmed that the decision followed an intensive consultative session.
“We, the ADC South-South leaders, have unanimously agreed to give Rotimi Amaechi our full support for the ADC Presidential Ticket,” Odigie-Oyegun stated. He praised the former Rivers State Governor for his “institutional knowledge” and for formally briefing the regional leadership before taking his campaign to the national stage.
The “Single-Term” Strategy
Amaechi, who has been increasingly vocal about the nation’s economic “calamity,” has centered his 2027 bid on a platform of regional equity and stability.
- Zoning Advocacy: During a recent high-level meeting in Kano, Amaechi argued that the ADC must respect Nigeria’s unwritten power-sharing agreement, insisting on a Southern candidate to complete the eight-year cycle.
- The 2031 Handover: To appease Northern power brokers, Amaechi has reportedly pledged to serve only a single four-year term, ensuring that power returns to the North by 2031.
- The Competence Argument: “I am the most experienced aspirant in this race,” Amaechi recently noted, citing his record as a two-term Speaker, two-term Governor, and federal Minister.
A Fragile Coalition
The endorsement comes at a time of extreme volatility for the opposition. While Amaechi secures the South-South, the ADC is also grappling with “impossible” INEC mandates that require a 36-state digital register within 32 days—a move Bolaji Abdullahi recently slammed as a tool for the Abuja “regency” to stifle rivals.
Amaechi’s bid also faces internal competition from the likes of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, the latter of whom recently expressed “historic regret” over his role in forming the APC.
The National Backdrop
As Amaechi rallies the South-South, the country remains on edge:
- Insecurity: 10,000 bandits are reportedly operating in Bauchi, and Lakurawa terrorists are striking mosques in Kebbi.
- Selective Justice: Former AGF Abubakar Malami has been remanded in Kuje prison after his bail was voided in a ₦8.7 billion case.
- Institutional Shift: President Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to amend the Constitution for State Police, a move Prof. Itse Sagay SAN warns may lead to further abuse by governors.
With the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri giving the APC a 30-governor supermajority, Amaechi and the ADC face an uphill battle. For the man who once led the charge to defeat an incumbent president, the question is whether he can replicate that lightning in a bottle one more time.
