The 3-year sidelining allegation by former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has drawn attention following his comments on his political future. Ayade said he was sidelined without appointment for three years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He also stated that he was asked to abandon his senatorial ambition for Cross River North. The claim was contained in his reaction to a presidential directive.
Ayade said the directive affected his political plans within the All Progressives Congress. He expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as a lack of recognition. The 3-year sidelining issue, he said, contrasts with his contributions to the party. He referenced his role as a former APC governor in the South-South region.
The development comes amid ongoing preparations within the APC ahead of future elections.
Party stakeholders have been managing internal disputes over senatorial tickets and zoning arrangements. The situation involving Ayade reflects broader tensions around candidate selection processes.
Ayade defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC while in office as governor.
He has since remained a prominent figure in Cross River politics. Discussions around his senatorial ambition have featured in internal party negotiations.
Ayade said he was informed of a presidential directive to step down from the senatorial race.
He described the directive as unexpected given his contributions to the party structure.
He claimed he played a significant role in supporting APC campaigns and mobilisation efforts. He said he was the first APC governor in the South-South region. Ayade also stated that he supported party activities financially and logistically. He linked these contributions to expectations of political recognition.
On the 3-year sidelining claim, he said he had not received any federal appointment.
He described this as a key concern in his statement. He further said he complied with the directive to withdraw from the senatorial contest. He stated that he accepted the decision despite personal reservations.
His sidelining allegation highlights ongoing internal negotiations within the APC. It raises questions about reward structures for party loyalists.
The development may influence future zoning and candidate selection discussions.
It also reflects tensions between political contributions and appointments. Party reconciliation efforts are expected to continue ahead of elections. Stakeholders are likely to address grievances within internal structures.
