RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship campaign in Akwa Ibom State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine Senator John James Akpanudoedehe ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the campaign’s spokesperson, Utibe-Obong Etim, in response to claims reportedly made by a group identified as APC Media Network.
According to the ADC campaign, the group had suggested that Akpanudoedehe and other ADC candidates would not appear on the ballot in the forthcoming elections.
The campaign rejected the assertion, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to discourage opposition supporters.
It maintained that decisions concerning candidates’ participation in elections fall within the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the applicable legal process.
The campaign also alleged that the APC was uncomfortable with Akpanudoedehe’s political influence and growing opposition activities in the state.
It questioned why Governor Umo Eno and APC supporters were concentrating on opposition candidates rather than presenting what it described as measurable achievements of the state government.
The ADC further criticised the administration over employment opportunities, infrastructure development and economic conditions, arguing that residents expected greater attention to governance.
The campaign also raised concerns about the Ibom Deep Seaport project, urging the government to provide transparent timelines and evidence of progress.
It described the proposed seaport as a potentially significant investment capable of supporting maritime trade, industrial development and employment.
The statement additionally alleged that President Bola Tinubu initially omitted the project during his recent visit to Akwa Ibom until Vice-President Kashim Shettima reportedly drew his attention to it.
That account was presented as the campaign’s allegation and has not been independently established.
The ADC called on the state government to clarify the project’s implementation arrangements and demonstrate concrete progress.
Meanwhile, INEC’s published 2027 governorship candidate information identifies Akpanudoedehe as the ADC candidate for Akwa Ibom State.
The commission has scheduled the governorship and State House of Assembly elections for February 6, 2027.
The ADC campaign maintained that its candidates would participate in the electoral process and urged political actors to respect the authority of electoral institutions.
It also called for political engagement centred on development priorities rather than disputes over opposition candidates.
