A stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukanafun local government area of Akwa Ibom State together with his teeming supporters has defected to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Uduak Essien also known as Eboribo was APC caucus member and chairman, elders’ forum, a one-time vice chairman and chairman of Ukanafun local government area announced his defection to PDP Thursday in a private radio station in Uyo.
Speaking to the speaker of People’s Parliament on Planet 101.1 FM Radio, Uyo, Essien said his defection was borne out of the fact that APC lacks internal democracy and was unable to carry everbody along.
Essien who confirmed his defection on the radio attributed this to APC’s colossal failure to keep to its promises and system battle, noting that “conscience would have betrayed Ukanafun people. And I am being compelled to resign my membership from the party.”
On allegation that he was suspended by the party, he dismissed it as untrue, saying he decided to return to his mother party.
“I took the decision to clear my conscience. I cannot betray Ukanafun and indeed Akwa Ibom people. I have decided willingly to renounce my membership of APC. I reject my membership as APC, Ukanafun Caucus/Chairman, Elders’ Forum. I am now a PDP member,” Essien stated.
However, some politicians in the area are said to be mocking Essien, an indigene of Ntak Afaha on his resignation as a man lacking electoral value to pull weight and attract many followers to PDP.
A politician in the area allegedly said that Essien fought with Udom Ebetor, an APC stalwart in Ukanafun and the chapter suspended him from the party.
“This might have informed his decision to defect to another party to save his face, though he still has a running battle with some PDP members in the area,” the source said.
However, Straightnews reporter could not reach Dr. Amadu Attai, the state APC Chairman for confirmation.
