By Solomon OKPO
In the wake of Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), elder statesman and former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has firmly denied reports alleging that he has joined the APC.
Speaking to members of the press, Chief Essien clarified that his presence at the governor’s defection event was not a political endorsement, but a gesture of solidarity.
“I have not defected from any political party to another,” he declared unequivocally. “My attendance was in support of the governor as an elder statesman and concerned indigene—not as a partisan participant.”
Chief Essien emphasized that since retiring from elective politics in 2014 at the age of 70, he has committed himself to non-partisan service, offering guidance and advocating peace and equity in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
He acknowledged the governor’s constitutional right to change political affiliation, noting that Umo Eno’s move was likely informed by persistent internal crises within the PDP and the perceived stability of the APC at the national level.
“The PDP has suffered from years of impunity and a lack of internal democracy,” Essien noted. “In such a context, the governor’s decision to defect is strategic and perhaps necessary to safeguard his political future.”
However, he raised concerns over the manner in which Governor Eno is allegedly pressuring lawmakers and local government chairmen to follow him to the APC.
“These elected officials hold independent mandates and should not be coerced. True political maturity respects the freedom of choice,” he warned.
Reflecting on the governor’s leadership style, Chief Essien praised Umo Eno’s previous efforts to build political bridges—highlighting his support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even before defecting from the PDP. According to Essien, these actions were pragmatic attempts to foster peace and draw federal attention to Akwa Ibom State.
Nonetheless, he criticized what he termed the “non-reciprocal posture” of the Senate President’s political structure, pointing to the exclusion of neutral or non-APC actors from federal benefits and empowerment programmes.
“Despite the governor’s magnanimity, many non-APC stakeholders remain sidelined,” he observed. “This undermines inclusive governance.”
He commended Governor Eno’s strides in inclusive state-level appointments and his refusal to weaponise government institutions. Yet, he warned that a shift toward excluding those who resist defecting with the governor would contradict his legacy of fairness.
Chief Essien further underscored the political significance of Akpabio’s role as Senate President—a position that returned to the South-South after four decades. He urged collaborative engagement, while warning against factionalism that may fracture the state’s fragile political harmony.
“Let us not squander the gains of peace with needless provocations,” he appealed. “Respect for divergent views is the hallmark of democracy.”
In conclusion, Chief Essien reaffirmed his commitment to unity, peace, and development in Akwa Ibom State, vowing to continue playing a non-partisan role in guiding the political landscape toward stability.
