I’m Still PDP! – Ex-Minister Fires Back At Rumors Of APC Defection With Gov Eno

Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has dismissed claims that he has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his attendance at Governor Umo Eno’s defection ceremony in Uyo last Friday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Essien, a highly respected elder statesman and political figure in Akwa Ibom State, clarified in a personally signed statement released to journalists on Tuesday that he remains firmly committed to the PDP, and his presence at the event should not be misinterpreted.

“Let me make it absolutely clear: I have not defected from any party to another. My presence at the event was not a declaration of political allegiance, but simply a show of support for the governor, who has demonstrated an admirable sense of maturity and inclusiveness in his leadership,” Essien said.

He emphasized that he retired from active partisan politics in 2014 at the age of 70, and since then, has only played an advisory role, focused on promoting peace, fairness, and good governance.

According to him, Governor Eno’s decision to switch to the APC was a personal political move, and while he respects it, he has no intention of following suit.

“Given the endless internal crises within the PDP, the Governor made a strategic choice to join a relatively stable party at the national level ahead of future elections. Aligning with the APC gives him direct access to the federal government and its attendant advantages,” Essien acknowledged.

However, he expressed concern over allegations that Governor Eno is pressuring members of the National Assembly, local government chairmen, and other political officeholders in the state to follow him into the APC.

“This raises questions about the governor’s true commitment to political inclusiveness and tolerance. These officials were elected independently and should be allowed to make their own choices,” he warned.

Essien also criticized the lack of reciprocity from the APC leadership despite Governor Eno’s past acts of goodwill—such as his endorsement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu for re-election—even while still a PDP governor.

“Appointments, empowerment schemes, and political opportunities have remained concentrated among APC loyalists. PDP members and even neutral stakeholders have largely been sidelined,” Essien lamented.