A political twist has emerged in Cross River State as former governor Ben Ayade revealed that President Bola Tinubu personally asked him to withdraw from the race for the Cross River North senatorial seat.
Ayade made the disclosure in a statement on Monday, saying his decision to step down followed a direct request from the president after what he described as a high-level consultation in Abuja.
He said the meeting with the presidency changed the course of his political ambition, noting that he chose to comply despite deep personal disappointment. “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.
The former governor suggested that the directive may have been influenced by incomplete information about political dynamics in Cross River State. He expressed concern that individuals he accused of working against him politically were now benefiting from the president’s intervention.
According to Ayade, some of those allegedly favoured by the development had previously opposed him and other members of the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 elections, particularly over the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He went further to allege that certain actors linked to the situation were involved in violence during the elections, claiming that incidents at collation centres included the use of weapons such as guns and machetes. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.
Ayade also used the moment to remind the president of his political contributions, highlighting his role as the first APC governor in the South-South region and his efforts in strengthening the party’s presence in Cross River State.
He said his administration helped secure a significant electoral advantage for the APC during the presidential election, describing it as a historic achievement for the state.
Despite his grievances, Ayade maintained that he remains loyal to the party and is willing to support its candidates moving forward. He added that he is open to working with both the president and the state government to ensure the continued success of the APC if the directive remains in place.
