ADC candidate urges Akwa Ibom governor to explain alleged ₦3 trillion revenue inflow

Senator John James Akpanudoehe, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2027 Akwa Ibom governorship, publicly called on incumbent Governor Umo Eno to justify more than ₦3 trillion in revenue that his administration is alleged to have received over the last three years. Speaking to journalists at his Uyo residence while unveiling his manifesto, Akpanudoehe said the funds have not translated into noticeable improvements in infrastructure or economic opportunities for ordinary residents.

The ADC hopeful highlighted what he described as a growing gap between the state’s revenue inflows and the lived experience of its people. He pointed to persistent potholes in Uyo and dangerous conditions on Itu Road and Church Road as evidence that the administration’s spending priorities are misaligned, arguing that the governor appears more focused on debt repayment than on direct development projects.

Background

Akpanudoehe, a former National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), framed his criticism within a broader historical context of development in Akwa Ibom. He credited previous governors—Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel—with delivering major infrastructure, including the Ibom Airport, Ibom Le Meridien Hotel, a science park, dual carriageways, ring roads, the Ibom Power project, a government house, an e‑library, an international stadium, a 10‑lane ring road, a 21‑storey building, Ibom Air and the International Worship Centre.

According to Akpanudoehe, those earlier administrations tied borrowing to people‑centred projects, whereas the current government, he alleged, is channeling resources into community initiatives that fall under local government responsibilities. He also raised the issue of disputed oil wells on the border with Cross River State, claiming that the state has not yet received revenue from those wells.

Why it matters

The claim of a ₦3 trillion revenue inflow, if accurate, represents a substantial portion of Akwa Ibom’s fiscal capacity and would have significant implications for public service delivery, infrastructure development and debt management. Residents’ perception that the funds have not improved roads or created jobs could erode confidence in the incumbent administration ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC candidate’s emphasis on debt repayment versus direct investment touches on broader debates about fiscal strategy in oil‑rich Nigerian states, where borrowing is often justified as a catalyst for development.

Stakeholders, including local government officials and civil society groups, may view the accusations as a call for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of state resources. The disputed oil wells also have economic relevance, as any future revenue could affect the state’s budgetary outlook and its ability to fund projects.

What happens next

Akpanudoehe’s demand for answers places pressure on Governor Eno to provide a detailed accounting of the alleged ₦3 trillion, though the source does not specify any formal response from the governor’s office. The issue is likely to feature prominently in the upcoming campaign period, with both candidates expected to outline their fiscal policies. Voters will be watching for any official clarification or audit results that address the revenue claims before the 2027 governorship election.