Ex Minister Denies Defecting to APC with Gov Eno

Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has firmly refuted claims that he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

The elder statesman made this clarification following widespread speculation triggered by his presence at the governor’s defection ceremony held at the Government House in Uyo.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Eket on Tuesday, Chief Essien clarified the reasons behind his attendance at the event, which he said has been grossly misinterpreted by sections of the media and political commentators.

“I was present at the defection ceremony in solidarity with the governor—not as a political convert, but as an elder statesman and concerned indigene of Akwa Ibom,” he explained.

“It is unfortunate that my attendance has been misconstrued by many to mean that I have joined the APC. I wish to make it abundantly clear that I have not defected from any political party, nor do I intend to.”

Essien emphasized that since stepping away from electoral politics in 2014 at the age of 70, he has consistently maintained a non-partisan stance, choosing instead to serve as a voice of wisdom and balance in the state. “My current role is that of a statesman—promoting peace, offering guidance, and standing for justice and equity,” he said.

Addressing the governor’s recent political move, Essien acknowledged that Umo Eno, like every citizen, has the constitutional right to make political decisions in alignment with his personal and strategic interests.

He argued that the governor’s defection was motivated by the instability within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as a party plagued by internal crises, impunity, and a glaring lack of internal democracy.

“In light of the enduring uncertainties within the PDP, it is within Governor Eno’s right to seek political refuge in a more stable platform,” Essien stated. “Joining the APC positions him to work closely with the federal government and possibly secure developmental advantages for the state. I wish him well in this regard.”

However, the former minister did not hesitate to critique certain aspects of the defection process. He condemned what he described as attempts to pressure local government chairmen, state legislators, and National Assembly members into following the governor into the APC.

“These elected officials possess independent mandates and must be allowed the freedom to chart their own political paths,” he said. “To compel them to switch parties undermines the very ideals of inclusiveness and political tolerance the governor has previously championed.”

Essien further recalled that even before officially switching parties, Governor Umo Eno had demonstrated notable political maturity by supporting APC leaders. He cited the governor’s endorsement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid as examples of his inclusive political outlook.

“Those moves, although controversial in some circles, were clearly calculated to foster peace, cooperation, and strategic alignment,” Essien noted. “It is unfortunate, however, that these gestures of goodwill have not been reciprocated. Despite the governor’s overtures, political appointments and empowerment initiatives at the federal level remain largely confined to APC loyalists, sidelining PDP members and even those of us who have remained neutral.”

He praised Governor Eno for his continued commitment to unity, especially his policy of appointing individuals across party lines and refusing to use state power as a tool of political persecution. However, he warned that any attempt to marginalize those unwilling to defect with the governor could tarnish his reputation for fairness and statesmanship.

Reflecting on the political significance of Senator Akpabio’s role as Senate President, Essien acknowledged the importance of the South-South producing a leader of that magnitude after four decades. He admitted that supporting Akpabio within the APC could enhance the region’s influence and bring recognition to Akwa Ibom at the national level.

Chief Essien appealed for calm and mutual respect among political actors. “Let us not jeopardize the peace we’ve painstakingly built in our state with needless provocations. Every stakeholder deserves the right to hold and express their convictions, just as we respect the governor’s own political choices,” he urged.