Politics
ADC Governorship Aspirant Akpanudoedehe Denies Selling Out, Vows to Defeat Gov Eno in 2027
By Ogenyi Ogenyi | Uyo
Governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John AkpanUdoedehe, has dismissed allegations that he previously compromised his governorship ambition for political gain, insisting that such claims are false and politically motivated.
AkpanUdoedehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, also declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, vowing to unseat Governor Umo Eno.
Speaking with journalists in Uyo on Thursday, the ADC chieftain said those spreading rumours of him “selling out” were engaged in blackmail and were intimidated by his political influence.
“Selling my election chances in the past to my opponent would have amounted to empowering my enemy, and I cannot do it,” he said.
He added that individuals making such claims were “sycophants and blackmailers,” accusing them of endorsing political figures outside their constituencies for selfish reasons.
AkpanUdoedehe urged his supporters to ignore the allegations and remain committed to his political vision ahead of 2027.
“Let me tell my supporters not to mind them. They should continue to trust me, believing that I will turn things around for the betterment of my people come 2027,” he said.
The former APC chieftain also expressed concern over what he described as widespread poverty in Akwa Ibom State despite significant revenue inflows from the Federation Account.
He pledged to prioritise poverty reduction, youth employment, infrastructure development and human capital growth if elected governor, accusing the current administration of neglecting the welfare of citizens.
“I am coming to salvage Akwa Ibom people from poverty, inequality and development deficit,” he said.
Explaining his exit from the APC, AkpanUdoedehe said he left after discovering that some party leaders had conspired against him.
“I only left APC as National Secretary when I discovered that they ganged up against me. Though they may regroup, I don’t care, but my concern is unemployment and underdevelopment in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
He urged voters to give him a chance in the next election, insisting that enlightenment would ultimately influence electoral choices in his favour.
“No matter the sentiments, I want Akwa Ibom people to try me in office as their governor,” he said.
On the strength of the ADC in the state, he recalled his role in building earlier political structures such as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the APC, saying the party had grown into a strong political platform over time.
AkpanUdoedehe described his ambition as driven by service, not personal gain, adding that he would run a transparent and unbiased administration if elected.
“My administration would be the best progressive government ever in the history of Akwa Ibom. I am not coming to contest this election so that I can collect money from anybody,” he said.
He also dismissed claims describing him as a former motor park chairman, calling the allegation false and an attempt to ridicule him.
“I have never been the chairman of a motor park. If I were, I would be the first person to thank God for lifting me from grass to grace,” he added.
By Abigail David
The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has selected Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The development was confirmed on Monday by Gwarzo’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, who said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders.
According to Shuaibu, the choice of Mustapha Kwankwaso is aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects and expanding its support base across Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The governorship candidate of our great party, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has selected Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election in Kano State,” he said.
He added that the selection reflects the party’s commitment to unity, inclusiveness and effective representation.
Mustapha Kwankwaso is the son of the National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. His nomination is expected to bolster the influence of the political movement within the NDC as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor of Kano State, emerged as the NDC governorship candidate following consultations among party stakeholders.
Political observers believe the ticket could shape alliances and influence the political landscape in Kano State ahead of the governorship poll.
By Abigail David
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord, for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Peter Lifu directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the affected parties after finding that they failed to secure the required electoral threshold in the last general elections.
The parties affected by the ruling are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The court also restrained INEC from allowing the parties to participate in future elections, including the 2027 general elections, on the grounds that they did not satisfy the constitutional criteria for political party recognition.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, with INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation joined as defendants.
The plaintiff argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements on electoral performance and spread, maintaining that they did not secure the minimum level of votes required to retain their status. The court held that the parties failed to effectively challenge the claims.
By Abigail David
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made during a television interview.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8.
The lawyers said Okonkwo alleged that Obi and other NDC leaders demanded bribes from party aspirants and engaged in fraudulent and criminal activities. They described the claims as “false, baseless, malicious and wholly unsupported by any fact.”
According to the letter, the statements damaged Obi’s reputation by portraying him as a dishonest and corrupt political figure.
Obi is demanding that Okonkwo withdraw the allegations, issue an unequivocal public apology with similar or greater prominence than the original publication, pay N5 billion in general and exemplary damages, and provide a written undertaking to refrain from making further defamatory statements.
The legal team warned that failure to comply within seven days could lead to court action seeking damages, injunctive reliefs and legal costs.
Responding on his X account, Okonkwo dismissed the demand, saying he had yet to review the letter. He challenged Obi to pursue the matter in court and indicated he would formally respond after reading the document.
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