PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has commended the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-South for endorsing former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the party’s 2027 presidential race.
In a statement issued on Monday, Eze described the endorsement as a strategic and timely step, noting that despite the presence of dissenting voices — which he said were natural in a democratic setting — the decision by the majority of stakeholders to rally behind Amaechi reflects confidence in his leadership capacity.
He stated that Amaechi remains one of the most accomplished political figures to emerge from the South-South and possesses the experience and competence required to lead Nigeria, particularly at a time when the nation faces significant economic and governance challenges.
Eze highlighted Amaechi’s extensive public service record, pointing to his tenure as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, former Chairman of both the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Nigeria Speakers’ Forum, as well as his role as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign that led to a historic change of government in 2015.
He also referenced Amaechi’s performance as Minister of Transportation, describing it as impactful, and noted his strong showing at the 2023 APC presidential primaries, where he emerged as runner-up among prominent contenders.
According to Eze, it was therefore unsurprising that leaders of the ADC in the South-South resolved to support Amaechi following his formal declaration of interest in the 2027 presidential election.
Reports from the February 27 regional meeting indicated that former Edo State Governor and South-South political leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, presided over deliberations during which Amaechi briefed stakeholders on his ambition and sought their backing.
Speaking after the meeting, ADC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, disclosed that a motion to support Amaechi’s aspiration received overwhelming approval through a voice vote.
“At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative ‘AY’ while a contra call had no ‘NAY’ response,” Usani said, adding that the applause that followed signified the zone’s readiness to back Amaechi’s quest for the party’s presidential ticket.
Other stakeholders present, including Senator Andrew Uchendu, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and Professor Pat Utomi, also reportedly expressed support for the move, stressing the need for regional unity behind a candidate considered capable of mounting a strong national campaign.
Eze welcomed the development, describing it as a demonstration of faith in Amaechi’s proven track record and leadership credentials.
He further commended the former minister for what he termed his “bold aspiration” to seek the presidency, expressing confidence that Nigerians would ultimately assess his candidacy based on his years of service and achievements in public office.
