By Abasi Ita
Former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has expressed disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported directive asking him to step down from the Cross River North Senatorial race.
Ayade said he was summoned 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 shelved.
“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 said.
While confirming compliance with the directive, the former governor noted that the decision was painful but taken in respect of constituted authority.
He, however, alleged that individuals who had previously opposed the All Progressives Congress (APC) 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 party of attempting to Islamise the state during the 2023 general elections.
Ayade further alleged that certain political opponents were involved in violence during election collation processes, claiming such incidents were captured in police records.
Reflecting on his political contributions, Ayade said he played a pioneering role in building the APC in Cross River State and the South South geopolitical zone, adding that he was the first APC governor in the region.
He also recalled his early support for President Tinubu’s presidential aspiration, noting that he popularised the slogan: “If Tinubu can fix Lagos, Tinubu can fix Nigeria.”
The former governor said he contributed significantly to the APC’s performance in the 2023 presidential election in Cross River State but lamented that he had remained without federal appointment for over three years despite his loyalty and efforts.
Ayade highlighted his financial and logistical support to the party, including donations at national conventions and provision of vehicles and motorcycles. He also said he currently runs a free transportation scheme in support of the President’s administration.
On the senatorial race, he 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 situation as painful, he urged his supporters not to purchase nomination forms, stressing that compliance with 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 decision may still be reviewed.
Ayade however called for calm among his supporters, urging them to remain loyal to the APC and trust in divine timing and political resolution.