Amid growing speculation over political realignments in Akwa Ibom, former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has unequivocally denied defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This clarification follows Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
In a personally signed press statement dated June 9, 2025, Chief Essien explained that his attendance at Governor Eno’s defection event was an expression of solidarity as a concerned indigene—not an endorsement of the APC.
“I have not defected from any party to another,” Essien stated, reaffirming his position as a neutral elder statesman since retiring from active politics in 2014.
He emphasized his continued commitment to peace and unity in Akwa Ibom State. “My attendance was a demonstration of support for the governor, who has exhibited an uncommon sense of maturity and inclusiveness in governance,” he said.
Acknowledging that Eno’s defection was influenced by internal crises within the PDP and the strategic need to align with the APC-led federal government, Essien described the move as a “personal decision.” He added, “The governor has taken the right decision to secure his re-election on a relatively stable platform,” citing the PDP’s “self-inflicted debacle” and absence of internal democracy.
Essien also noted Eno’s prior overtures to APC leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as steps towards fostering national stability.
However, he took issue with what he described as the governor’s efforts to pressure state and federal lawmakers, as well as local government chairmen, to follow him to the APC. “These elected officers have their own mandates and must be allowed the freedom to make their choices,” Essien stressed.
He further expressed disappointment with Senate President Akpabio, stating that the APC’s appointments and empowerment programs had failed to recognize PDP members and politically neutral stakeholders, despite Eno’s gestures of goodwill.
Calling for political maturity, Chief Essien urged all actors to prioritize peace and respect differing convictions to preserve the state’s stability.
“As an elder statesman, my priority remains the unity, peace, and development of Akwa Ibom State,” he concluded, appealing for dignity and mutual respect in navigating political differences.
