RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
Former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Senator John James Udoedehe, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in the state.
Udoedehe secured 66,099 votes to defeat his only challenger, Barrister Mfon Udeme, who polled 103 votes during the party’s governorship primary conducted on Friday.
Announcing the result on Sunday, Chairman of the ADC Primaries Election Committee, Titus Ejor, declared Udoedehe the winner of the exercise.
“Based on this result, may I officially declare Sen. John James Udoedehe as the winner of the governorship primaries in Akwa Ibom State,” Ejor said.
In his acceptance speech, Udoedehe thanked party members for their support and pledged to provide what he described as a viable alternative to the current administration in the state.
The ADC candidate criticised the ruling government, accusing it of failing to implement policies capable of lifting residents out of poverty.
“We’re coming to build Akwa Ibom people from your deliberate policy of poverty to affluence. We’re coming to hold you accountable,” Udoedehe stated.
He added that opposition parties have a constitutional responsibility to scrutinise government actions and offer alternatives.
The committee chairman commended party members for maintaining order during the primary, describing the conduct of delegates and supporters as peaceful and commendable.
Meanwhile, the party also concluded its senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly primaries.
Patience Ibanga Akpabio emerged as the candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, while Sunday Umoren won the North-East ticket and Louis Paul Udoh secured the Akwa Ibom South senatorial ticket.
For the House of Representatives, candidates that emerged include Jackson Emem Daniel for Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Hanson Paul for Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo, and Nnamonso David for Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Constituency, among others.
The party also returned 26 candidates unopposed for various State House of Assembly seats across Akwa Ibom State.
