By Udeme Hosea

Senator John James Akpanudoedehe has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC Governorship Primaries Electoral Committee, led by its chairman Mr. Titus Ejoh, declared Akpanudoedehe winner after he polled 66,099 votes to defeat his lone challenger, Barr. Mfon Peter, who scored 103 votes. The direct primary was held across the 31 local government areas of the state on Thursday, May 22, 2026.

Announcing the results on Sunday at Helema Event Centre, Uyo, Mr. Ejoh described the exercise as peaceful and violence-free across all LGAs. He noted that the party also conducted primaries for State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats, with all the candidates emerging unopposed.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Akpanudoedehe thanked ADC members for their support since 1999 when he was first elected to the Senate. He described his emergence as a call to service and pledged to implement people-friendly policies to alleviate poverty, create jobs and drive inclusive development if elected governor in 2027.

The party also announced winners from the direct primaries for other positions as follows:
State House of Assembly: Mr. Paul Sunday Udoh – ONNA; Mr. Kelvin Imekop – Uruan; Mr. Ubong Udo-Akpan – Ikono; Mr. Emmanuel Stephen Peters – Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo; Mr. Ita Dan – Nsit Atai; Mr. Lucky Sunday – Ukanafun; Mr. Etimbuk Ime Akpan – Abak; Mr. Inemesit Nkereuwem – Essien Udim; Mr. Isaac Ibanga – Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara; Mr. Patrick William – Uyo; Mr. Akaniyene Boniface – Ibiono Ibom; Mr. Inem Kufre – Etinan; Mr. Idongesit Inor – Mkpat Enin; Mr. Jude Linus – Ibesikpo Asutan; Mr. Innocent Okoro – Oruk Anam; Mr. Emmanuel Darlington – Eket; Mr. Saviour Offong – Nsit Ibom; Mr. Daniel Michael – Nsit Ubium; Mr. Achibong Duke – Esit Eket/Ibeno; Mr. Otu Monday; Mr. Enwono John – Etim Ekpo/Ika; Mr. Valentine Okon – Okobo; Mr. Victor Antai – Urue Offong/Oruko; Madam Mercy Edet – Oron/Udung Uko; Mr. Joseph Etim – Mbo; and Mr. Achibong Bassey – Itu.

House of Representatives: Mr. Jackson Emem Daniel – Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency; Mr. Isaac Udodong – Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo/Mkpat Enin; Mr. John Okon – Oron; Barr. Akaniyene Udofia – Ukanafun/Oruk Anam; Mr. Chris Sunday – Eket/ONNA/Ibeno/Esit Eket; Mr. Albert Umo – Ikono/Ini; Mr. Namonso David – Uyo; Mr. Nsikak Umoeka – Itu/Ibiono Ibom; Mr. Ofonime Johnson – Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika; and Mr. Isaac Asukwo – Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara/Essien Udim.

Senate: Mrs. Patience Akpabio emerged for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, while Mr. Sunday Umoren won the ticket for Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District.