Political uncertainty has gripped Cross River State following a startling claim by former governor and senator, Ben Ayade, that Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally asked him to withdraw from the Cross River North senatorial race.
Ayade made the revelation in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, sending shockwaves through the state’s political landscape and igniting fresh debate about internal party dynamics and the influence of the presidency in electoral contests.
According to the former governor, he was summoned to Abuja for what he described as a “high-level national consultation” with top figures in the presidency. It was during this meeting, he claimed, that he was advised to step aside from the senatorial race, a request he said he would honor, albeit reluctantly.
“I have decided to comply with the directive out of profound respect for the President and the office he occupies,” Ayade stated. “This decision is not without personal reservations, but I believe in the larger interest of unity and stability.”
The announcement has since triggered a wave of reactions across political circles in the state, with supporters expressing mixed emotions ranging from disappointment to cautious acceptance.
For many of Ayade’s loyalists, the development comes as a surprise. Having previously signaled strong interest in returning to the Senate, his sudden willingness to withdraw has raised questions about what may be unfolding behind the scenes.
“This is politics at a very high level,” one party insider remarked. “When decisions like this are made, they are rarely simple. There are usually broader calculations involved.”
Observers note that Cross River North is a politically sensitive zone, and any shift in the race could significantly alter the balance of power within the state. Ayade, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent figure with considerable influence, making his participation, or withdrawal, a decisive factor.
However, the claim that the President directly intervened has added another layer of controversy.
As of press time, there has been no official confirmation or response from the presidency regarding Ayade’s statement. The absence of a formal reaction has fueled speculation, with some questioning whether the directive was part of a broader political strategy or a misunderstanding of internal consultations.
Analysts caution against drawing quick conclusions, noting that Nigerian politics often involves informal negotiations and consensus-building that may not always be publicly acknowledged.
Still, the optics of the situation have sparked debate about the role of federal influence in local political contests.
Critics argue that such interventions, if true, could undermine internal party democracy, while supporters contend that strategic decisions are sometimes necessary to maintain cohesion and avoid divisive primaries.
Within Cross River, the immediate impact is palpable.
Political stakeholders are reportedly recalibrating their strategies, while potential contenders in the senatorial race are reassessing their positions in light of the new development. Some see Ayade’s withdrawal as an opportunity for fresh faces to emerge, while others worry it could deepen existing rivalries.
Residents, meanwhile, are watching closely.
“This affects the kind of representation we will have,” a community leader in the northern district said. “We want leaders who are chosen based on the will of the people.”
Ayade’s statement, though brief, carries significant implications, not just for the senatorial race but for the broader political climate in the state. His decision to step down “out of respect” suggests a delicate balance between personal ambition and party loyalty, a theme that continues to shape Nigeria’s political narrative.
As the situation develops, attention will likely shift to the presidency for clarification and to other political actors who may step forward to fill the vacuum created by Ayade’s withdrawal.
For now, Cross River remains on edge, caught between speculation and reality, and waiting for the next move in a political drama that is still unfolding.
