Enugu ADC youth leaders back Amaechi’s presidential ambition

Youth leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State have declared their support for former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi's presidential bid. The group, representing the 17 local government areas of the state, stated their position ahead of the ADC's presidential primary scheduled for May 25. They explicitly distanced themselves from reports suggesting that the Enugu chapter endorsed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, calling such claims false and misleading. Festus Omeh, speaking for the youth leaders, emphasized that any statement endorsing Abubakar did not reflect the majority sentiment within the state's party members and youth.

The Enugu ADC youths stressed the importance of power rotation, arguing that the presidency should remain in the South beyond 2027. They believe this is crucial for equity, fairness, and national stability, especially after a Southern tenure. "Nigeria cannot preach balance and national unity while attempting to abruptly return power to the North after only one Southern tenure," Omeh stated. He added that the "right and honorable thing" for the party would have been to zone the presidential ticket to the South from the outset.

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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.

The endorsement comes amid rising tensions within the ADC as aspirants intensify their campaigns. The debate over power rotation between Nigeria's North and South is a significant factor in the party's primary. Amaechi is considered the leading Southern aspirant, while Abubakar is a prominent Northern contender. The Enugu youth leaders also accused unnamed political interests of attempting to manipulate party members' views and create a false impression before the national leadership and the public.

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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 right and honorable thing for our great party to have done from the onset was to zone the presidential ticket to the South.