**The South-South Unites: Unraveling the Facts Behind the Presidential Endorsement Saga** You may have seen the headlines, but have you heard the truth behind the alleged presidential endorsement in the South-South region? As the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mabel Oboh has come out swinging, calling out sections of the media for unprofessional reporting and setting the record straight on what really happened. In a recent zonal leadership meeting hosted by elder statesman John Odigie-Oyegun, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi formally announced his intention to run for president. However, some media outlets have been spreading false reports that South-South leaders endorsed Amaechi during the meeting. But Oboh is adamant that this is not the case. According to Oboh, Amaechi's announcement was a courtesy call, not an endorsement. She emphasized that consultation and courtesy are two different things, and that the South-South leadership respects due processes. In other words, just because Amaechi met with South-South leaders doesn't mean they endorsed him as their candidate. Oboh also pointed out that the South-South leadership, with its decades of experience in party administration, would never bypass constitutional procedure in a matter as consequential as presidential endorsement. "There is due process in every political matter within our party," she said. "We will not endorse an aspirant without proper protocol and authorisation from the constitutionally recognised organs of the party." The media narrative on this issue has been careless and avoidable, Oboh warned. Inaccurate reporting can create unnecessary confusion and damage the reputation of leaders of integrity. "Verification is the first duty of journalism," she said firmly. "Speculation is not." In conclusion, the South-South leadership remains united and undistracted, committed to strengthening party structures rather than engaging in premature political alignments. As Oboh said, "We will not allow non-professional journalism to discredit our notable leadership. The South-South remains cohesive, disciplined, and guided by constitutional order. No endorsement took place. The record is clear."