The former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator James Akpan Udoedehe, has debunked insinuations that he always sells his gubernatorial ambition for financial gains.
Udoedehe made the remarks during a media chat with journalists at his Uyo residence on Thursday, 21 May 2026 where he declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election whose governorship primaries hold today.
Speaking on his intention to join the 2027 gubernatorial election under the ADC, he said he was driven by the need to provide credible leadership and offer residents a viable political alternative anchored on integrity, accountability, and development.
In his words: "My government would be one of the most progressive and prosperous ever. Just try me" he said, and appealed for support.
“My repeated governorship bids are driven by concern for the people. Now, look around the State, there is poverty and unemployment everywhere. Therefore, I am inspired by my love for the people to contest as a governor. If I get in, I will hit the ground running and in four years, I would have achieved the best for the people", he added.
Clearing misconceptions about the number of times he's contested election in the State, the former governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) said he had only appeared twice on the ballot.
“To be a candidate, you must win your party’s nomination. On that premise, I have only been on the ballot twice; therefore, my gubernatorial candidacy has only been twice. Other times were not me”, he stressed.
He also countered allegations of selling out in previous elections, insisting that he had always fought for victory rather than compromise.
“I have never sold an election. I fought for elections. There is no government in Akwa Ibom State, past or present, that can pay me N100 million to compromise. If they attempt it, that would be empowering your enemy to fight you, so who would want to do that?”, he questioned.
Recalling his roles in the power play of the State and the resultant effect, Udoedehe advised the younger generation against getting involved in destructive politics.
"Don't allow anyone ask you to kill for them because of election. Don't be an instrument of destruction. Do unto others what you'll want them to do to you. Karma is real ", he charged.
Udoedehe who was elected Senator of Akwa Ibom North-East in 1999 on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has been Minister of State for the FCT.
He later moved to the All Progressive Congress (APC) and became the Interim National Secretary of the Party and a member of its Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee.
He was the ACN governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom in 2011 and later ran for governor under NNPP in 2023 after defecting from the APC.
Udoedehe, who is also the leader of the ADC in the state, added that despite never occupying the office of governor, he had achieved personal success. He stressed that his ambition was motivated by a desire to address hunger, unemployment, hardship, and other socio-economic challenges in 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 said.
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