AYADE & JARIGBE AMBITIONS: PARTY LEADERS WALKING ON A TIGHT ROPE
Anthony EKPO BASSEY
The ambitions of former Governor Benedict Ayade and incumbent Senator Agom Jarigbe for the singular seat of the Northern Senatorial District at the National Assembly, seem to have left party leaders of the All Progressives Congress walking on a tightrope. Really, tight one, indeed. This is one ambition that has caused serious indecision to party leaders and stalwarts. Whose direction will the pendulum swing?
As the saying goes, “When two lions chase the same prey, only the fleet-footed will eat.” In this race, both lions are hungry. To begin with, Senator Jarigbe’s entry into the APC has significantly altered the political landscape. Moreover, his defection did not come quietly; it arrived with the kind of fanfare and strategic timing that signals intent. Besides the symbolism, it brought with it a wave of supporters from his previous political base, which is an indication that he is not merely joining the APC, but reshaping it from within.
Furthermore, Jarigbe’s grassroots appeal seems to be on the rise. His reputation as a street-level mobiliser, coupled with a growing perception that he connects more easily with the electorate, places him in a favourable position. In the meantime, APC stalwarts appear to be observing him with cautious optimism: not fully pledged, but unmistakably interested. Their warm body language in recent engagements suggests that they see in him a potential rallying point and has someone who can bring new life to a party that needs fresh political oxygen in the region.
On the other hand, Ben Ayade remains an influential and formidable figure within Cross River politics. After all, he is a former governor, a former senator, and a man who, for years, commanded the full weight of the state’s political machinery. Besides, Ayade still commands loyalty from a significant section of APC old guards, particularly those whose political fortunes rose under his tenure. These loyalists consider him the natural heir to the ticket, and have argued that his state-wide network and his longstanding investment in the district give him an edge that new entrants cannot easily match.
Between Ayade and Agom, who is facing the headwinds? Who can read the body language of the Governor who is the leader of the party at the state? Do you think he will prefer Agom to Ayade or vice versa? Both candidates carry legitimacy and momentum. Lest, we forget, politics is a game of interest. Who is the Governor’s interest. Your guess may be good as mine. Again, there is a party chairman at the state. Who can read his body language?
In the meantime, party elders appear to be walking a tightrope. On one side lies the comfort of Ayade’s long-standing structure; on the other, the exciting prospect of Jarigbe’s rising influence. Besides, APC stakeholders are aware that the wrong choice could fracture the party at a delicate time. Therefore, their body language remains measured, leaning toward Jarigbe in public warmth, yet still respectful of Ayade’s stature in the party.
Predicting the outcome is therefore a delicate affair. Moreover, while Jarigbe currently enjoys a favourable tide, Ayade’s political instincts and his ability to mobilise resources should not be underestimated. Also, Cross River politics is known for its unpredictability; alliances shift like clouds before rainfall.
As it stands now, the APC in Cross River North stands at a crossroads. Besides choosing a candidate, it must choose a direction: one that either leans on Ayade’s established legacy or embraces the emerging force represented by Jarigbe. As the old saying reminds us, “The road you take determines the travellers you meet.” Whichever road the party chooses, its decision will shape the political future of the district for years to come.
