CALABAR, NIGERIA — In a dramatic turn for Cross River politics, former Governor Ben Ayade has officially pulled out of the 2027 Senate race, citing a direct instruction from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a candid and emotionally charged statement, Ayade revealed that he was recently summoned to Abuja for a high-level meeting where the President told him to stand down. While the former governor confirmed he would comply, he did not hide his “agony” over the move and his current standing within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Three Years Without an Appointment
Ayade, who made history as the first APC governor in the South-South region, expressed deep frustration over what he described as years of political isolation. Despite his early support for the President’s campaign—including promoting the famous “Lagos record” slogan—he claims to have been abandoned by the center.
“I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony,” Ayade stated. He pointedly added that “for over three years, I have been sidelined without any appointment.”
Allegations of Sabotage
The former governor suggested the President might be acting on “misleading” information from rivals within Cross River State. He alleged that individuals who previously fought against the APC and his administration are now the ones benefiting from the President’s latest directive.
Ayade specifically took aim at his unnamed opponent, a veteran legislator he claims is “greedily” seeking a fourth term in the National Assembly, even though Ayade’s own constituency has only held the seat for eight years.
A History of Stepping Aside
Reflecting on his journey, Ayade reminded supporters that he has sacrificed his ambitions for the party before, citing similar moves in 2007 and 2015. However, he made it clear that this latest “sacrifice” feels particularly heavy given his role in strengthening the party’s presence in the South-South.
Call for Calm
Despite the bitterness, Ayade urged his followers to remain calm and loyal to the President, asking them to refrain from buying nomination forms in compliance with the order. “We would support all APC candidates if the President insists on his orders,” he said, though he expressed a faint hope that the decision might still be reviewed.
For now, the withdrawal clears the path for his rival in Cross River North, but it leaves a major rift in the state’s APC structure as the 2027 primary season gets underway.
