Politics

ADC Governorship Aspirant Akpanudoedehe Denies Selling Out, Vows to Defeat Gov Eno in 2027

Published

3 months ago

May 22, 2026

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.

Politics

APC Sets August 22 for Legislative Primary Elections

Published

14 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Online editor

By Abigail David

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled Saturday, August 22, 2026, for its primary elections to select candidates for four restored State House of Assembly constituencies and legislative bye-elections across five states.

The party announced the timetable in a statement signed by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, and released on Wednesday.

The primaries will cover three restored constituencies in Delta State — Abraka, Isoko North II and Ughelli South II — and Yagba West II in Kogi State.

The exercise will also produce APC candidates for legislative bye-elections in Gombe, Bauchi, Delta and Kano states.

According to the timetable, the sale of expression-of-interest and nomination forms will run from August 18 to 20, while the submission deadline is August 20.

Screening of aspirants, publication of results and screening appeals will take place on August 21, ahead of the primaries on August 22. Election appeals are scheduled for August 24.

The APC fixed the expression-of-interest fee for State House of Assembly aspirants at N1 million and the nomination fee at N5 million, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N1 million and N9 million respectively.

Female, youth and physically challenged aspirants are required to pay the expression-of-interest fee and 50 per cent of the prescribed nomination fee.

The timetable follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s restoration of the four previously suppressed constituencies after court judgments.

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Politics

Natasha Osawaru Emerges as Edo Assembly Minority Leader

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Online editor

By Abigail David

Natasha Osawaru, wife of Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has been appointed Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Osawaru, who represents Egor Constituency, was announced as the new minority leader during Monday’s plenary following a reshuffling of the Assembly’s principal leadership positions.

Her emergence followed her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the National Democratic Congress in May 2026.

A statement from her Media and Strategic Communications Directorate said the reshuffle reflected new alignments among lawmakers and party caucuses in the Assembly.

Osawaru previously served as Deputy Majority Leader. She has focused on grassroots development, legislative debates, and youth and women empowerment during her time in the Assembly.

Reacting to her new position, Osawaru thanked the Assembly leadership, her colleagues and constituents.

She described the appointment as a responsibility rather than a title, pledging to promote accountability, effective representation and the development of Edo State.

Her emergence places her in a key opposition leadership role in the Edo State House of Assembly.

Politics

Politicians Urged to Shun Violence, Focus on Issues Ahead of 2027 Elections

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Online editor

By Abigail David

A security expert in Katsina State, Ibrahim Katsina, has urged politicians and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and focus on issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Katsina, a former Special Adviser on Security Matters to ex-Governor Aminu Masari, made the call in an interview with Channels Television in Katsina on Monday.

He urged political parties and candidates to promote their manifestos rather than resort to violence, intimidation, hate speech or other actions capable of creating tension.

“As the 2027 electioneering campaign draws closer, my advice to politicians is that they play according to the rules of the game in order not to overheat the polity,” he said.

Katsina also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to sanction political actors who incite violence or engage in thuggery.

On security, he commended the improvement recorded in Katsina State, attributing it to collaboration between the government and security agencies.

He expressed optimism that ongoing operations would further reduce insecurity before the 2027 elections, while stressing that citizens also have a role to play in maintaining peace.

“Security is everybody’s business. When we unite against terror, we will succeed,” he said.

Katsina also cautioned Nigerians against glorifying criminal activities on social media, saying such narratives could encourage criminals and undermine public confidence in security efforts.