Ex-Minister Cautions Eno Against Forcing Lawmakers To Join APC

Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has criticised efforts by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to pressure state and federal lawmakers as well as local government chairmen into joining the All Progrssives Congress (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.
In a statement he personally signed, Chief 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.
The former Minister denied rumours of his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following Governor Eno’s recent switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
“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.
He also expressed dismay over a perceived 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.
Chief Essien urged political leaders to respect differing views and prioritise peace, stability, and development in Akwa Ibom State.
“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