2027: Ayade Withdraws From Senate Race, Cites Tinubu’s Directive
By Ekanem Asuquo
Former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has formally withdrawn from the Cross River North Senatorial race, citing a directive reportedly linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ayade said he was invited to Abuja for what he described as a high level consultation with the Presidency, after which he was informed that his Senate ambition should be suspended.
“Mr President wants me to withhold my Senate ambition. I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony,” he stated.
Although he complied with the directive, Ayade said the decision was painful, stressing that his action was borne out of loyalty to constituted authority.
He alleged that individuals who had previously opposed the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State were now benefiting from the same presidential instruction. According to him, some of these actors had earlier accused him and the APC of attempting to Islamise the state during the 2023 elections.
Ayade further claimed that some political opponents were involved in violent incidents during election collation processes, adding that such cases were reportedly captured in police records.
Reflecting on his political journey, the former governor said he played a foundational role in building and strengthening the APC in Cross River State and the South South geopolitical zone, noting that he was the first APC governor in the region.
He also recalled his early support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition, stating that he championed the slogan: “If Tinubu can fix Lagos, Tinubu can fix Nigeria.”
Ayade said he delivered strong electoral performance for the APC in Cross River State during the 2023 presidential election but lamented that he had remained without federal appointment for over three years.
He also highlighted his financial and logistical contributions to the party, including donations at national conventions and provision of vehicles and motorcycles. According to him, he currently operates a free transportation scheme in support of President Tinubu’s administration and broader political mobilisation.
On the senatorial contest, Ayade argued that his constituency had only held the seat for about eight years, while his opponent had occupied it for nearly two decades and was seeking another term.
Describing the development as painful, he urged his supporters not to purchase nomination forms, saying obedience to the President’s directive was necessary.
“It is better we err on the side of caution than to be seen to go against Mr President’s order,” he said, while expressing hope that the situation would eventually be reviewed.
Despite the controversy, Ayade called for calm, urging his supporters to remain loyal to the APC and to trust in divine timing and political resolution.
