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, John AkpanUdoedehe, has dismissed allegations that he previously traded his governorship ambitions for political gains.

AkpanUdoedehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, said claims that he sold out his political ambition were false and aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo on Thursday, the ADC chieftain insisted he remained committed to contesting the 2027 governorship election and unseating incumbent Governor Umo Eno.

“Selling my election chances in the past to my opponent would have amounted to empowering my enemy, and I cannot do it,” he said.

According to him, those spreading the allegations were “sycophants and blackmailers” who were intimidated by his political influence and growing support base.

He urged his supporters to ignore the rumours and remain confident in his leadership aspirations.

“They should continue to trust me, believing that I will turn things around for the betterment of my people come 2027,” AkpanUdoedehe said.

The former APC national secretary also criticised the current administration in Akwa Ibom State, alleging that despite increased revenue allocations from the federation account, many residents still live in poverty.

He promised to prioritise poverty reduction, youth employment, infrastructure development and human capital development if elected governor.

“I am coming to salvage Akwa Ibom people from poverty, inequality and development deficit,” he stated.

Explaining his exit from the APC, AkpanUdoedehe said he left the party after discovering that some party leaders had “ganged up” 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 the unemployment and underdevelopment in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

He appealed to Akwa Ibom voters to support his ambition in the next governorship election.

“No matter the sentiments, I want Akwa Ibom people to try me in office as their governor,” he added.

Speaking on the strength of the ADC in the state, AkpanUdoedehe said he played a key role in bringing the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later the APC into Akwa Ibom, noting that the progressive movement had grown significantly over the years.

“My administration would be the best progressive government ever in the history of Akwa Ibom because I have a clear mind without bias against anybody,” he said.

The politician also dismissed claims that he once served as a motor park chairman, describing the allegation as “hate speech” intended to undermine his governorship ambition.

“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 said.