Ayade withdraws from Cross River North Senate race on Tinubu request

Former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade announced on Monday that he is withdrawing from the race for the Cross River North senatorial seat following a request from President Bola Tinubu.

Ayade, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, disclosed the decision in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page. He said the directive came after he was invited to Abuja for a high-level national consultation with the presidency. "From the sequence of events that followed my return, Mr. President wants me to withhold my Senate ambition. I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill-treatment and agony," Ayade wrote.

The former governor expressed frustration over the decision, suggesting Tinubu may not be fully aware of local political dynamics in Cross River State. He claimed the individuals benefiting from his withdrawal had opposed the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election, including resistance to the party's Muslim-Muslim ticket and alleged involvement in violence at collation centers. Ayade also noted he had received no appointment since leaving office despite his support for the administration.

Ayade highlighted his contributions to the...