Former Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed him to withdraw from the upcoming Senate race, a development he described as deeply painful and unjust.
In a lengthy and emotional message to his supporters on Facebook, Ayade said he was summoned to Abuja for what he termed a “high-level national consultation” with the presidency, after which it became clear that he was expected to shelve his senatorial ambition. Though he said he has chosen to respect the President’s directive, Ayade expressed anguish over what he called years of neglect and political marginalisation.
He suggested that those benefiting from the President’s alleged instruction were individuals who had previously opposed him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, including elements he accused of stoking religious tensions during the 2023 elections and allegedly deploying violence at collation centres.
Ayade reminded the President of his pioneering role in building the APC in the South-South region, noting that he was the first APC governor in the zone and played a critical part in delivering a historic presidential victory for the party in Cross River State. He also highlighted his personal contributions to the party, including financial support, logistics, and ongoing mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite these efforts, Ayade lamented that he has remained without any federal appointment for over three years, a situation he implied was at odds with his level of loyalty and sacrifice.
The former governor also raised concerns about fairness, arguing that the individual favoured to replace him had already spent multiple terms in the National Assembly, while his own constituency had comparatively limited representation.
Drawing from his political history, Ayade recalled that he had previously stepped down from electoral contests in 2007 and 2015 at the behest of party leaders, only to later emerge as a senator and two-term governor. He said this reinforced his belief in destiny and divine timing, even in moments of disappointment.
While urging his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, Ayade advised them not to purchase nomination forms for the Senate race for now, in deference to the President’s authority. He cited biblical injunctions on obedience to constituted authority but maintained that his loyalty should not preclude fairness.
Ayade, however, made it clear that he and his supporters would continue to back the APC and work for its success at all levels in Cross River State, regardless of the final outcome of the situation.
In a veiled message to his political rival, he criticised what he described as the use of “influence from high places” to secure advantage, calling it a hollow victory that undermines democratic principles.
Concluding his message, Ayade urged patience and faith among his followers, expressing hope that the President would ultimately reconsider the decision. He described the situation as a test of restraint and conviction, insisting that their collective future remains bright despite the current setback.