By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO – African Democratic Congress, ADC, has expressed optimism on seizing power from ruling the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State by fielding capable, popular and credible candidates to end the reign of leadership selection by godfathers in the state come 2027.

State Chairman of the ADC, Rt.Hon Duke Dick, party leader, Sen John Akpanudoedehe and others harped on achieving this goal at the official unveiling of the party’s Coalition in Uyo themed, “Reclaiming Democracy and Empowering the People”.

The Coalition, made of leaders from various political background and platforms, include Dr. Uduak Udoh, Akwa Ibom candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 guber election, his Action Alliance counterpart, Prince Jeremiah Akpan, former State APC Chairman, Hon Austin Ekanem and Elder Dr. Isong Ukpong among others.

Calling on the Coalition leaders and supporters to close ranks under ADC to upstage a common enemy come 2027, Sen Akpanudoedehe told the gathering, “Our interest is to build a strong party, so keep differences aside and work together.

“We who were enemies before have come together to oust insensitive government by godfathers, for the good of our people. I encourage you to love this party and help it win. If you don’t bring out quality people, you may not win the elections. You’ll end up winning only on billboards.

“If after the Congress the Coalition brings out any presidential candidate, we must support that person to succeed and same for our dear state. We have a bigger enemy to confront, which is bad governance.”

Akwa Ibom ADC Chairman, Rt.Hon Duke Dick said, the party and its Coalition partners would kick against old politics of “empty promises, money-bags, and godfathers. We are here to build a movement of inclusion, transparency, and accountability.

“Our mission is to break the chains of corruption and exclusion. To give voice to the youth, to empower women, to mobilize the diaspora, and to unite our diversity into strength.

“Not to deceive ourselves, reclaiming genuine democracy will not be easy. The forces of oppression and corruption will resist us. But history shows that when the people are united, no obstacle can stand in their way.

“Here in Akwa Ibom, we will shine the light. We will show that politics can be clean, leadership can be accountable, and development can be people centered.”

In separate remarks, the party’s Youth and Woman leaders, Edidiong Ekpe and Hon. Juliet Amba respectively, called on supporters to work in harmony to bring positive change.