A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has firmly denied reports claiming he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Essien, who has been a key supporter of Governor Eno's administration, was seen at the Government House during the governor's defection ceremony on Friday, fueling speculation about his own political allegiance.
In a statement personally signed and released to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday, the former minister clarified that his presence at the event was purely in solidarity with the governor as an elder statesman and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, not as an indication of changing his party affiliation.
"Let me state without ambiguity: I have not defected from any party to another. My attendance at the event was not a declaration of political affiliation but a demonstration of support for the governor, who has shown a rare level of maturity and inclusiveness in governance," Essien stated.
Elder Statesman Role
Essien explained that since turning 70 in 2014, he had retired from active politics and chosen to function purely as an elder statesman—offering advice, promoting peace, and advocating for justice and equity in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
While acknowledging Governor Eno's constitutional right to make personal political decisions, Essien noted that the governor's defection was likely motivated by the "unending nature of the controversy in PDP."
"Seeing the unending nature of the controversy in PDP, the Governor has taken the right decision to secure his next election in a party platform that is relatively stable, for now, at the National level. Joining the APC naturally takes him to work with the Government at the centre with envisaged ancillary benefits. It is my wish that his hopes be fulfilled in this regards," he added.
Concerns Over Political Pressure
However, the elder statesman expressed concern over reports that Governor Eno was allegedly pressuring members of the State and National Assembly, as well as Local Government Chairmen, to join the APC.
"This calls into question the sincerity of the governor's commitment to inclusiveness and political tolerance. These elected officers are operating on a separate and independent mandate and should be free to take their decision," Essien cautioned.
He also observed that despite Governor Eno's previous support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while still a PDP governor, such magnanimity had not been reciprocated in terms of appointments and empowerment programs for non-APC members.
"In contrast, Governor Umo Eno has empowered citizens across party lines, ensured that appointments reflect the state's diversity, and resisted the temptation to weaponise government against perceived opponents. That is commendable. But the current moves to exclude or sideline those who refuse to defect with him could erode that legacy of fairness and compromise," he stated.
Call for Political Maturity
Essien urged political actors and supporters not to overheat the polity due to the governor's defection but rather work with him to promote peace, unity, and development in the state.
He pledged that as an elder statesman, he would continue to lend his voice and wisdom to ensure that "political differences do not tear us apart but are managed with dignity, maturity, and mutual respect."
The former minister's clarification comes at a time of significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom State, with potential implications for the 2027 elections and governance in the oil-rich state.
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