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.