The former Interim National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, has cited a gang-up against him by internal forces as the reason for his decision to dump the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Naijaonpoint reports that Akpanudoedehe, a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, made this known on Friday while speaking with journalists at his Ikot Okubo residence in Uyo.
The former APC chieftain said the opposition forces against him may regroup, but he is unbothered, stressing that he remains focused and prepared to challenge Governor Umo Eno in the 2027 election.
He said, “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.”
Akpanudoedehe also dismissed claims that he frequently contests elections only to negotiate outcomes, insisting he has participated in only the 2011 and 2023 elections.
He stated, “Selling my election chances in the past would have meant empowering my enemies, and I cannot do that.”
Akpanudoedehe urged his supporters to remain steadfast and support him in 2027, 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.
He said, “I am coming to salvage Akwa Ibom people from poverty, inequality and development deficit.”
Asked about his political strength under the ADC, Akpanudoedehe said he played a key role in building APC structures in the state, which later became the ruling party.
He also dismissed claims that he was once a motor park chairman, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.
He added, “My administration will be the best progressive government in Akwa Ibom’s history. I am not contesting to collect money from anyone.
“I have never been a motor park chairman. That is propaganda from mischief makers.”
