RismadarVoice Reporters, July 25, 2026
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator James Akpan Udoedehe, has alleged the existence of a plot by some members of the party to undermine its political structure ahead of future elections.
In a video message shared on his official Facebook page, Udoedehe claimed that some ward, local government and state executive members of the party were allegedly holding secret meetings with what he described as government agents with the aim of destabilising the ADC from within.
According to the former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the individuals allegedly involved have been approaching party members to obtain photocopies of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), claiming the documents would be used in a political arrangement involving the emergence of candidates for legislative positions.
He alleged that those behind the plan were assuring prospective participants that they had influential contacts within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who would ensure that their names were published as candidates without the need for rigorous political campaigns.
Udoedehe further claimed that the promoters of the alleged scheme had also assured participants that any legal disputes arising from the process would be handled by lawyers already engaged for the purpose.
He, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
The ADC governorship candidate also accused those allegedly behind the plan of attempting to discourage genuine party members by portraying the opposition as incapable of winning elections.
According to him, the individuals were allegedly encouraging party members to take financial inducements now on the premise that political leaders would later benefit financially, a narrative he described as misleading and harmful to the growth of democratic opposition.
“The opposition is not an avenue to cash out. It is an alternative government,” Udoedehe said, urging party faithful not to be swayed by promises of personal financial gain at the expense of the party’s long-term objectives.
He stressed that building a viable opposition requires commitment, sacrifice and patience, arguing that successful democratic systems depend on credible opposition parties capable of offering alternative leadership.
Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, Udoedehe cited the evolution of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and its eventual transformation into the political movement that produced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that many opposition politicians remained outside power for decades before eventually assuming leadership at the national level, saying the experience demonstrates that perseverance rather than short-term financial incentives ultimately strengthens democratic institutions.
“We were in opposition for many years before producing a president. Not everyone may understand the sacrifice involved, but opposition politics is about preparing to govern, not enriching individuals,” he said.
Udoedehe also warned that those allegedly collaborating to weaken the ADC could jeopardise the political future of unsuspecting members who align with them.
Appealing to party members to remain vigilant, he urged them to reject any arrangement capable of undermining the integrity of the party, insisting that every genuine opposition movement must be built on trust, transparency and shared commitment to democratic ideals.
He further advised members who no longer wished to remain in the opposition to openly join another political party instead of working against the interests of the ADC from within.
“If anyone wants to be a member of the APC, let them leave the opposition and join the APC genuinely. But if you choose to remain in the opposition, then be committed to building it,” he stated.
The former senator also questioned claims allegedly made by those behind the purported plot that they enjoyed the backing of electoral officials, the judiciary and government authorities, maintaining that political success ultimately depends on the will of God and the support of the electorate.
Quoting a biblical passage, he said, “Except the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain,” urging party members to reject what he described as acts capable of promoting injustice and weakening democratic opposition in the state.
Udoedehe called on ADC members across Akwa Ibom State to remain united and committed to strengthening the party as a credible alternative platform capable of forming government in the future.
