By African Heritage International Political Affairs Desk
Chairman Delta Obidient Elders’ Council
In a political climate already charged with tension and suspicion ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council has moved swiftly to correct what it describes as “misleading narratives” surrounding a recent high-level meeting of the South-South Zonal Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
At the heart of the controversy is a viral social media video attributed to the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM). The video criticized the ADC South-South leadership for holding a meeting on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the residence of former Edo State Governor and South-South Zonal Leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The allegation: that the meeting was convened barely 72 hours after an assassination attempt reportedly targeting Mr. Peter Obi and others at the same residence and that its purpose was to endorse the 2027 presidential ambition of former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.
The Council says that claim is simply not true “No Endorsement Was Granted”
According to the official clarification signed by Chris O. O. Biose (popularly known as “Obidient Daddy”), Chairman of the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi attended the meeting to formally present his presidential ambition to the South-South Zone of the ADC. He outlined his reasons for seeking the presidency and appealed to leaders of the zone for their support.
However, when an attempt was made to move a motion seeking a unanimous zonal endorsement of his candidacy, the Chairman of the meeting, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, promptly intervened and stopped the motion before it could be concluded.
“Chief Oyegun thanked Mr. Amaechi for deeming it appropriate to inform the leaders of the zone of his ambition and wished him well in his presidential pursuit.”
The Council emphasized that no endorsement was adopted, passed, or ratified by the South-South Zonal Leadership of the ADC during the meeting.
In political terms, it was consultation not coronation.
Opposition Unity in a Time of National Strain
Beyond clarifying the facts, the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council used the moment to make a broader appeal for cooperation among opposition forces.
The statement urged patriotic Nigerians, leaders of opposition parties, and political pressure groups — including COPDEM — to channel their energies toward a shared national objective: rescuing Nigeria from deepening economic and security crises.
The Council did not mince words in its assessment of the current national condition, describing the challenges under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration as unprecedented in scale.
It pointed out that the level of hardship being experienced across the country is comparable to none since the historic amalgamation of the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria with the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria in January 1914.
“At a time of national strain, opposition stakeholders must prioritize collective national rescue over divisive narratives.”
Politics Requires Maturity
As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, consultations among political actors are inevitable. Presidential aspirants will present their visions. Party leaders will listen. Zones will deliberate.
What the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council seeks to underscore is a simple but critical distinction: engagement does not equal endorsement.
In an era where digital misinformation can inflame political tensions within hours, responsible communication and fact-based reporting are essential to safeguarding democratic processes.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, responsible opposition politics, and constructive political dialogue — emphasizing that national rescue must remain the ultimate goal.
Signed:
Chris O. O. Biose (a.k.a. “Obidient Daddy”)
Chairman For and on behalf of the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council
