RismadarVoice Reporters, May 22, 2026
Former governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Sen. James Akpan Udoedehe, has said the allocation accruing to the administration of Governor Umo Eno is higher than what the combined administrations of former governors Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel received over the past 16 years.
Udoedehe made the remarks during a media chat with journalists in Uyo, where he also declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State under the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
The former senator insisted that he had never compromised electoral mandates for personal gain.
“I have never sold elections to anyone,” he said.
He dismissed allegations that he could be financially induced by any government or political actor to weaken opposition forces in the state.
“There is no government in Akwa Ibom State, past or present, that can pay me N100 million to compromise. If they attempt it, they will only be empowering their enemy,” he stated.
Udoedehe said his decision to join the governorship race under the ADC was driven by the need to provide credible leadership and offer residents a viable political alternative anchored on integrity, accountability and development.
According to him, despite never serving as governor, he had attained personal success and was motivated by a desire to address hunger, unemployment, hardship and other socio-economic challenges facing the state.
“I have all I need in life, including cars, houses and other things. I am coming into this election for my people and the growth of Akwa Ibom State,” he added.
The former lawmaker also criticised the management of state resources by the current administration, arguing that the revenue accruing to the state was sufficient to significantly improve the living conditions of residents if properly utilised.
