C’River North Will Decide Its Senator, Higgins Tells Ayade
By Missang Akpet
The reported senatorial ambition of former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, has suffered a setback as a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Peter Higgins, openly rejected the move, declaring that the district will determine its own political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to party stakeholders in Yala Local Government Area on Friday, Higgins sent a strong warning against any attempt at imposition, insisting that the people of Cross River North are united and resolved to choose who represents them in the National Assembly.
“Let me put this on record clearly, the North is united. The North will decide who will represent it in the National Assembly,” he declared to loud approval from the gathering.
In a mix of loyalty and firm resistance, Higgins acknowledged the governor as leader of the party in the state, but maintained that such authority would not override the collective will of the people of the northern senatorial district.
He explained that the zone would first harmonise its position and agree on a consensus candidate before approaching the party leadership, expressing confidence that the governor would respect their decision.
“The governor remains the leader of the party in the state, but the North will sit down, agree on who will lead it, and then approach him and the party. We believe he will align with us because we understand our needs and who is best suited to represent us,” he said.
Higgins also criticised Ayade’s performance while in office, pointing to unresolved infrastructure challenges, particularly the long neglected Ukele Road, as evidence of unfulfilled promises.
“You see this Ukele Road and how long our people have suffered. After eight years in office, it remains undone, and now he wants to come back. To do what?” he queried, drawing murmurs of agreement from the audience.
The development signals a deepening contest for political control within the APC in Cross River North, with indications that local stakeholders are unwilling to cede ground without asserting their influence.
Despite the strong stance, Higgins ended on a conciliatory note, reaffirming his commitment to unity and development across Yala and the wider northern senatorial district.
He pledged to work with stakeholders to ensure that the eventual candidate reflects the aspirations of the people and strengthens the political voice of Cross River North at the national level.
