Former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has denied rumours 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 statement he signed, Essien clarified that his presence at the governor’s defection event was simply an act of solidarity as an indigene of Akwa Ibom State and not a declaration of support for the APC.

“I have not defected from any party to another,” he stated, reiterating his status as a neutral elder statesman since his retirement from active politics in 2014.

He commended Governor Eno’s leadership style, describing it as inclusive and mature, while acknowledging that the governor’s defection was a strategic move in response to the PDP’s internal crises and a bid to align with the APC-led federal government for the state’s benefit.

“The governor has taken the right decision to secure his next election on a relatively stable platform,” he said, pointing to the PDP’s “self-inflicted debacle” and absence of internal democracy.

Essien, however, criticized efforts by the governor to pressure state and federal lawmakers as well as local government chairmen into joining the APC, calling it contradictory to the spirit of inclusive governance.

“These elected officers have independent mandates and should be free to make their own political decisions,” he asserted.

He also expressed dismay over a 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.

“As an elder statesman, my priority remains the unity, peace, and progress of Akwa Ibom State,” he concluded, calling for mutual respect in the management of political differences. (The Guardian)