Senator John Udoedehe, Secretary, National Caretaker Committee, All Progressives Congress.
By Abasifreke Effiong – Uyo
The Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Senator John Udoedehe, says he is yet to convince the leader of APC in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, about his 2023 governorship ambition.
Senator Udoedehe who was guest on a radio programme in Uyo last weekend, said he expects Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta, to reciprocate the support he lend to him in 2007.
Senator Udoedehe was the Director General of Senator Akpabio’s campaign organisation in 2007 when the latter vied for the governorship of the State.
However, Senator Udoedehe ran for governorship on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011 when Akpabio sought a re-election.
Some supporters of Senator Udoedehe were killed during the 2011 gubernatorial campaign in Ikot Ekpene local government area.
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Senator Udoedehe has contested for the governorship of the State three times, and has indicated interest to run the fourth time.
He said people expect Senator Akpabio to reciprocate the support he gave him in 2007.
“Let me remind you people that 57 aspirants led by Governor Attah, Donald Etiebet, Ufot Ekaette were against him (Akpabio). They met my president (Olusegun Obasanjo) and said, instead of (Akpabio), it should be Larry Esin. People must get this history right. Obasanjo needed only one man to say yes to that proposition and that was me.”
“If I had moved away, Godswill Akpabio would not have become Governor. Udom Emmanuel would not become Governor. Everyone who has turned to billionaires in this state, would not be. So, they owe me gratitude. So, when they talk, they should fear God. Assuming the other group became Governor, some of them who are rich today, would not have been rich.”
“What I’m saying is that, people will expect him to return the favour and I want to thank his people, his brothers who are from his local government and family, that say that it’s time to pay me back because, they believe if they don’t pay me back, it will become a curse. I appreciate that.”
“Let people not think that Akpabio and I are quarreling. No, we have settled but we are yet to come to agreement because, I need to convince him not to be afraid of me”, Udoedehe said.
