Chief Nduese Essien, a former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, has denied rumors of his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following Governor Umo Eno’s recent switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
In a signed statement, Essien clarified that his presence at the governor’s defection event was merely an act of solidarity as an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, and not an indication of support for the APC.
He stated, “I have not defected from any party to another,” affirming his status as a neutral elder statesman since retiring from active politics in 2014.
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Essien commended Governor Eno’s leadership as inclusive and mature, acknowledging the governor’s defection as a strategic response to the PDP’s internal crises and a move to align with the APC-led federal government for the state’s benefit.
He remarked, “The governor has taken the right decision to secure his next election on a relatively stable platform,” pointing to the PDP’s “self-inflicted debacle” and lack of internal democracy.
However, Essien criticized Governor Eno’s alleged efforts to pressure state and federal lawmakers, as well as local government chairmen, into joining the APC, calling such actions contradictory to inclusive governance.
He asserted, “These elected officers have independent mandates and should be free to make their own political decisions.”
He also expressed dismay over the lack of reciprocal support from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that federal appointments and empowerment schemes under the APC have excluded PDP members and politically neutral stakeholders.
Essien urged political leaders to respect differing views and prioritize peace, stability, and development in Akwa Ibom.
He concluded, “As an elder statesman, my priority remains the unity, peace, and progress of Akwa Ibom State,” calling for mutual respect in managing political differences.
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