The 2027 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Udoedehe, has described the state’s much-touted peace as a “graveyard peace,” alleging that fear of upsetting the political establishment has discouraged citizens from questioning government policies.

Udoedehe made the claim during a press conference at the weekend, arguing that the apparent calm in the state was sustained by what he described as the “benefits of the extended family system,” where access to political patronage and handouts allegedly makes people reluctant to challenge those in authority.

According to him, citizens who raise questions about governance are often labelled troublesome, a situation he said undermines the role of education and weakens public institutions. He argued that genuine peace should allow citizens to demand accountability rather than compel them to remain silent.

The ADC candidate also alleged that self-interest among political leaders has contributed to the prolonged delay in the Ibom Deep Seaport project, claiming that those involved in facilitating the project could benefit personally from the process. He did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Udoedehe further alleged that the Akwa Ibom government under the present political leadership had received more than N2.3 trillion, but questioned what tangible impact the funds had made on poverty and unemployment. He said he entered the 2027 governorship race to pursue employment creation and poverty reduction as a means of restoring social stability.

He, however, declined to disclose details of his campaign strategy, saying doing so could enable rival political parties to appropriate his ideas. Udoedehe, a former senator and former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, said he was determined to make a greater impact in the 2027 contest than in his previous political outings.