Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Interim National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, has explained his defection to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying he left the ruling party after alleged internal opposition against him.
Akpanudoedehe, a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, said he remains unafraid of political opposition as he prepares to challenge Governor Umo Eno in the next election cycle.
Speaking to journalists at his Ikot Okubo residence in Uyo ahead of his nomination on Friday, the former 2011 Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate said he is “battle-ready” for the 2027 polls.
He dismissed claims that he frequently contests elections only to allegedly negotiate outcomes, insisting he has only participated in the 2011 and 2023 elections.
“Selling my election chances in the past would have meant empowering my enemies, and I cannot do that,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as sycophants and political blackmailers, accusing them of endorsing Senate President Godswill Akpabio outside his senatorial district.
Akpanudoedehe urged his supporters to remain steadfast, insisting that he has never held elective office and therefore could not be accused of mismanagement of public funds.
He blamed poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment in Akwa Ibom State on corruption and poor governance, despite what he described as significant federal allocations to the state.
“I am coming to salvage Akwa Ibom people from poverty, inequality and development deficit,” he said.
The former APC chieftain said he left the party after what he described as a gang-up against him by internal forces, adding that he remains focused on addressing the state’s developmental challenges.
“I only left APC as National Secretary when I discovered they ganged up against me. They may regroup, but I don’t care. My concern is the unemployment and underdevelopment in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
He urged voters to support him in 2027, saying his administration would prioritise inclusive development and economic transformation.
On his political strength under the ADC, Akpanudoedehe said he played a key role in building APC structures in the state, which later became a ruling party.
“My administration will be the best progressive government in Akwa Ibom’s history. I am not contesting to collect money from anyone,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that he was once a motor park chairman, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.
“I have never been a motor park chairman. That is propaganda from mischief makers,” he said, adding that he studied Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Cross River State (now University of Uyo), graduating with a Second Class Upper degree.
Akpanudoedehe concluded that he remained confident of victory in 2027, saying his political journey has been driven by service and commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
