Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-South region have endorsed Rotimi Amaechi’s bid for the presidency, placing him ahead of other contenders including former Anambra governor Peter Obi.

The decision came after a consultative meeting of ADC South-South leaders in Benin City on Friday.

Amaechi formally presented his intention to run for the presidency, and regional leaders reportedly gave him unanimous backing.

The meeting also aimed to strengthen collaboration among leaders in the zone, ensuring they share experiences and coordinate on political matters.

Former Edo state governor John Odigie said: “We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of this meeting to brief us formally of his intention to run for the presidency of our great nation.

“We were very pleased. We thanked him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone for not letting loose in this zone, for setting up his own personal structures, for ensuring like every good son that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it.

“We are pleased and I cannot report that a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.

“Lastly, we are going to meet regularly. This group of leaders are going to meet regularly to learn from each other’s experiences. So that as usual, the South-South zone will become an example to be emulated by other zone in the nation.”

Amaechi had earlier announced his willingness to serve a single term if he secures the ADC ticket and wins the 2027 election.

He has argued that the party should present a southern candidate in line with power rotation principles, stressing that the South should complete an eight-year tenure before power shifts to the North.

He warned that supporting a northern candidate could undermine the party’s base in the region.

However, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh debunked the endorsement, saying it was only a consultation.