ADC governorship candidate claims plot to change party candidates

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, John Akpanudoedehe, has claimed that some unnamed government agents are working with certain party officials to replace candidates chosen in the recent party primaries. These candidates' names have already been sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr Akpanudoedehe shared his concerns in a video on Facebook on Thursday. He warned party members about what he called attempts to infiltrate the ADC and change the candidate list before INEC publishes the final list.

He did not provide any proof to back his claims. He also did not name the government officials, party leaders, or candidates he believes are involved in this alleged plan.

Alleged scheme

According to Mr Akpanudoedehe, "intelligence available" to him suggests that some ADC leaders at the ward, local government, and state levels are having secret meetings with government agents.

"I have intelligence that some members of the party who are privileged to be part of our executives at the ward, local government, and state levels are in secret meetings with government agents," he said.

He alleged that these officials are asking party members to give them photocopies of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). They promised that those who comply would become the party's candidates for the House of Assembly and House of Representatives, even though the primaries have already ended.

Mr Akpanudoedehe said those behind the alleged plot claimed they had "insiders" within INEC. They assured those approached that their names would be on the final list when the electoral body publishes it.

He also alleged that they promised to provide lawyers to help with any legal issues that might arise from their supposed scheming. While he did not directly accuse INEC officials of wrongdoing, Mr Akpanudoedehe claimed that those involved bragged about having influence over the judiciary, the government, and INEC.

Candidate substitution is a party affair, INEC

In response to these claims, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Onuoha Anugbum, stated that INEC does not have the constitutional power to change candidates for political parties.

"The issue of primary is a party affair. It is only the party that can substitute. INEC does not have the power to substitute candidates for political parties," Mr Anugbum told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday.

He explained that while parties can change candidates within the time allowed by law, those decisions are solely up to the political parties.

"The political parties will submit candidates to INEC, which will accept their substitution, and there is a time for substitution. It is only the party that can substitute and not INEC, so if you want further verification, go to the party’s national body." INEC has not yet published the final list of candidates.

Appeal to party members

Mr Akpanudoedehe urged ADC members not to be fooled by promises of automatic candidacy or cash incentives. He insisted that the opposition is meant to offer a different government.

"Opposition is not to cash out but to provide an alternative government," he said. He also called on members to stay loyal to the party. He claimed that a stronger opposition has made the APC-led government in Akwa Ibom uneasy.

"The APC government in Akwa Ibom State was sleeping until a viable opposition emerged. Now they are rushing to put together a legacy, which is too late for them."

Unanswered questions

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to Mr Akpanudoedehe to ask which House of Assembly and House of Representatives constituencies were allegedly involved. We also wanted to know if he had reported the supposed plot to the ADC National Working Committee or INEC, and what evidence he had that there was an attempt to change candidates after their submission. He had not responded by the time this report was filed.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also did not reply to phone calls and a text message asking for the party’s response.