By Drealomalicha Emmanuella
Former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, has expressed a deep sense of personal betrayal after being asked by President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the race for the Cross River North Senate seat, even as he pledged to honour the directive in a show of loyalty.
In a statement shared via his official Facebook page, Ayade revealed that the decision followed what he described as a high-level consultation in Abuja, during which the president advised him to “withhold my Senate ambition”.
While confirming his compliance, the former governor did not conceal his emotional turmoil. “I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony,” he wrote, conveying the weight of the decision.
Ayade alleged that those set to benefit from the directive were political adversaries who had fiercely opposed him during the 2023 general elections. He accused them of inciting religious tensions and orchestrating acts of intimidation at collation centres.
“To be asked to yield the ticket to the same persons that called us Muslims and brandishing guns and machetes at collation centres against us is most traumatising,” he stated.
He further claimed that there were police records documenting incidents of violence during the presidential election, suggesting that such actions had been overlooked in the current political arrangement.
Highlighting his longstanding commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayade described himself as a pioneer figure in the party’s expansion in the South-South region, noting that he was the first APC governor in that geopolitical zone.
He also pointed to his contributions during the 2023 elections, asserting that he delivered nearly 40,000 votes more than the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State for Tinubu’s presidential bid. In addition, he said he had financially supported the party’s national convention, donated campaign logistics, and initiated grassroots mobilisation efforts.
Ayade recalled his early endorsement of Tinubu’s presidential ambition, stating that he was among the first within the APC to publicly back the now president. He also claimed credit for popularising the campaign slogan: “If Tinubu can fix Lagos, Tinubu can fix Nigeria.”
Despite his disappointment, Ayade appealed to his supporters to remain calm and refrain from taking actions that could be seen as defiance, including the purchase of nomination forms.
Drawing from his political history, he noted that he had previously stepped down from electoral contests in 2007 and 2015, only to later emerge as a senator and subsequently serve two terms as governor.
“I believe in destiny and the hand of God,” he said. “Our show of restraint, even in strength, is not a weakness.”
He further pledged to support all APC candidates should the president maintain his position, reaffirming his commitment to working with the party leadership, including Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, to secure electoral victories in the state.
Ayade also urged his supporters to remain patient, expressing hope that time would vindicate their grievances. “Our collective heartbreak is well documented in high heavens, and those who influenced the president to stop me shall one day be faced with their own karma,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation of the alleged directive from the presidency or the national and state leadership of the APC.
Before the development, Ayade who previously represented Cross River North in the Senate was widely expected to contest the party’s primaries against incumbent senator, Jarigbe Agom.
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