Breaking! Gov Eno’s Defection: Ex-Reps member, Ndueso Essien clears air
…says Governor exercising constitutional right
…bemoans PDP’s ‘…self-inflicting debacle’
CHIEF NDUSE ESSIEN CLEARS AIR ON GOVERNOR UMO ENO’S DEFECTION: “I HAVE NOT JOINED APC”
Eket, Akwa Ibom State – June 10, 2025
Gentlemen of the Press,
I wish to address the political conversations following the recent defection of our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The event, which I attended in solidarity with the governor as an elder statesman and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, has led to several misrepresentations in the media and on social platforms. Some have falsely claimed that I have joined the APC.
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. Since my decision not to contest for any elective office at the age of 70 in 2014, I have chosen to function purely as an elder statesman—offering advice, promoting peace, and standing for what is just and equitable in our state and country.
Let me also make it abundantly clear that Governor Umo Eno’s defection is his personal political decision, backed by his constitutional right and informed by what he must have considered the long-term interests of Akwa Ibom State. It is not my place to question his right to reposition himself politically. The most cogent reason for his defection is the lingering uncertainty over the future of the PDP in a self-inflicted debacle through years of impunity and lack of internal democracy in the party. Seeing the unending nature of the controversy, 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.
However, the decision of the Governor to coerce Members of the State, National Assembly and Chairmen of Local Governments 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.
Let me also highlight that even before his defection, Pastor Umo Eno had shown an admirable level of maturity in navigating party lines. He supported the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC for a second term, despite being a PDP governor. These actions, while controversial to some, were calculated to ensure peace, stability, and strategic alignment for the benefit of Akwa Ibom State.
Sadly, such magnanimity has not been reciprocated by the Senate President or his political machinery. Appointments, empowerment programmes, and political opportunities have remained exclusive to APC loyalists, leaving out PDP members and even those who have chosen neutrality for the sake of peace. This lack of inclusion has continued despite the governor’s overt gestures of goodwill and cooperation.
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.
The support for Senator Akpabio, in his position as Senate President and no 3 man, is most commendable. It is not often that this position comes to any state for a long while. It has taken 40 years for it to come back to the South South. Teaming up with the Senate President in his party will generate respect and strengthen his position in the APC and in Government.
Let me conclude by appealing to all political actors, supporters, and the public to lower the temperature. Let us not destroy our state’s hard-earned peace through needless provocations. Those in government should respect one another’s convictions and rights, just as we expect the wider political system to respect the governor’s choices.
As an elder statesman, my priority remains the unity, peace, and development of Akwa Ibom State. I will continue to lend my voice and wisdom to ensure that political differences do not tear us apart but are managed with dignity, maturity, and mutual respect.
Signed:
Chief Nduese Essien
Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development
Former Chairman, South-South Parliamentary Caucus of the National Assembly
