Youth leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State have declared their support for Rotimi Amaechi's 2027 presidential bid [1].
This endorsement signals a strategic push within the party to maintain political power in southern Nigeria. By rejecting northern candidates, these youth leaders are attempting to influence the party's direction ahead of the upcoming primary election.
The endorsement spans all 17 local government areas within Enugu State [3]. These leaders are backing Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, as the ideal candidate to represent the ADC in the 2027 presidential election [1].
The move comes as a direct challenge to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. The youth leaders rejected Abubakar's claim to the ADC ticket, arguing that the presidency should remain in the South.
"We won't vote Atiku," the ADC youth leaders said [3].
This public declaration of support occurs just before the ADC presidential primary, which is scheduled for May 25, 2026 [2]. The youth leaders believe that Amaechi possesses the necessary qualifications and regional alignment to lead the party toward victory in the next general election cycle.
The organizers of the endorsement effort said that their decision is rooted in the belief that the party must prioritize regional equity, and southern leadership, to ensure a balanced political landscape in Nigeria.
“"We won't vote Atiku"”
The endorsement of Rotimi Amaechi by Enugu youth leaders highlights the enduring influence of regionalism and the 'zoning' debate in Nigerian politics. By explicitly rejecting Atiku Abubakar in favor of a southern candidate, the ADC youth wing is leveraging regional identity to shape the party's nomination process, potentially creating a rift between northern and southern factions within the ADC before the May 25 primary.
