Tension has intensified within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom following the emergence of two separate governorship candidates through disputed selection processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
The situation has triggered internal unrest in Akwa Ibom State, with both camps laying claim to the party’s governorship ticket. The development has raised fears of a widening split that could weaken the party’s electoral strength.
The controversy centres on two aspirants, Hon. Eyakekpono Obo and Sen. John Udoedeghe, who were reportedly produced from different factions of the primary exercise. The parallel outcomes have created confusion over who the authentic candidate of the party is.
The crisis worsened after Barr. Mfon Peter, another aspirant who participated in the primaries, rejected the outcome of the exercise. He alleged that the process was marred by irregularities, exclusion of candidates, and lack of transparency.
Speaking in Uyo, Peter claimed that the governorship primary did not follow established party guidelines, insisting that large-scale disenfranchisement of members took place. He argued that voting was not properly conducted across several local government areas, describing the announced result as invalid.
He further alleged that he and his supporters were sidelined during key stages of the exercise, adding that no proper accreditation or voting process occurred in many areas where results were later declared.
According to him, the conduct of the primary fell short of ADC’s electoral standards, especially regarding timing, voter participation, and agent representation. He maintained that agents loyal to his camp did not sign any result sheets, which he said further discredited the outcome.
Peter also accused the electoral committee, chaired by Mr. Titus Ejoor, of irregular conduct and alleged that the process was deliberately structured to favour a particular candidate.
He argued that several local government areas were either excluded or improperly covered during the exercise, raising questions about the credibility of the entire poll.
The aggrieved aspirant has since filed a petition before the party’s appeal committee, urging leadership of the ADC to annul the primary and order a fresh election. He warned that failure to address the dispute could lead to legal action.
Party stakeholders have expressed concern that the ongoing dispute could damage the ADC’s chances in the forthcoming general elections if not urgently resolved, as internal divisions continue to widen.