Major youth leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have thrown their weight behind former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primary election.
The group also distanced itself from recent claims that ADC members in Enugu were backing former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, for the presidency.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by youth leader, Festus Ifesinachi Omeh, the group described the claim as misleading and not reflective of the mood within the party in the state.
According to the youth leaders, the presidency should remain in the South in 2027 in the interest of fairness, equity and national balance. They argued that it would be unjust for power to return to the North after only one term of a Southern presidency.
The group insisted that ADC youths in Enugu State were fully aligned with Amaechi’s presidential ambition and would not support Atiku’s bid for the party’s ticket.
“We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that the chairman’s statement does not represent the position, mood, or wishes of the majority of ADC members and youths in Enugu State. It is false, misleading, and appears designed to create a false impression before the national leadership and the Nigerian public,” Omeh stated.
The youth leaders maintained that attempts to impose a northern candidate on the party would undermine the principles of justice and unity being preached by political stakeholders across the country.
“For the sake of equity, fairness, and justice, we believe strongly that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027. Nigeria cannot preach balance and national unity while attempting to abruptly return power to the North after only one Southern tenure,” the statement added.
The group accused unnamed political interests of trying to manipulate the position of party members in Enugu State through propaganda and sponsorship.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that ADC youths in Enugu State will not support or vote for Atiku Abubakar. We are fully aligned with and committed to supporting the only Southern presidential aspirant who has officially declared under the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi,” Omeh said.
The youth leaders further warned against alleged plans to manipulate the outcome of internal party processes ahead of the scheduled primary activities on the 25th.
They said any attempt to alter or misrepresent the wishes of party members in the state would be resisted through lawful and democratic means.
The group also called on the National Executive Council of the ADC to closely monitor political developments in Enugu State to avoid internal crisis and ensure transparency during the primary process.
According to them, the national leadership of the party must not allow “politically sponsored individuals” to create unnecessary tension within the state chapter of the party.
Amaechi and Atiku are among the leading figures being linked with the ADC’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
The opposition party is expected to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next presidential election.
Meanwhile, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to seek a second term in office in 2027.
