ADC Gubernatorial Candidate Blames Selfish Interests for Delays in Ibom Deep Seaport. 

ADC Gubernatorial Candidate Blames Selfish Interests for Delays in Ibom Deep Seaport.

Senator John James Udoedehe, the 2027 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, has publicly criticized the current state of peace in the region, describing it as akin to a “graveyard peace.” His comments come amid ongoing claims by Governor Umo Eno, who has frequently boasted about his ability to maintain peace and foster harmony among stakeholders in the state.

Addressing a press conference over the weekend, Udoedehe argued that what is perceived as peace in Akwa Ibom is actually forced and unnatural. He contended that this “graveyard peace” is maintained primarily for the selfish interests of a few stakeholders, describing it as sociologically rooted in the “benefits of the extended family system.” According to him, such peace is achieved at the expense of genuine societal progress and accountability.

Udoedehe lamented that the system discourages questions about governance, warning that anyone who dares to question the status quo risks being labeled “troublesome.” He explained that in the current environment, people are compelled to queue into the system just to survive, which stifles social development and individual agency. “The main purpose of government is to establish social order, institutions, and solidarity, but people are not living up to these responsibilities,” he said. “When questions are asked, they are tagged as troublemakers, which discourages transparency and accountability.”

He also pointed to the delay in the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport project, blaming the delay on selfish interests among local leaders. Udoedehe accused them of prioritizing personal enrichment over the development of critical infrastructure, stating that “our leaders facilitating the port project could factor in their interests that make them rich forever.”

Udoedehe revealed his decision to run for governor was motivated by a desire to address poverty and unemployment in the state, which he believes are worsened by the self-serving actions of current leaders. He criticized the APC-led administration in Akwa Ibom for receiving over N2.3 trillion but failing to deliver tangible development projects, especially in employment and poverty alleviation.

He assured supporters that he would keep his campaign strategies secret to prevent opposition parties from copying them. Udoedehe expressed confidence that he would make a significant impact in this election, promising a departure from past approaches and a focus on genuine progress for the people of Akwa Ibom.