Tinubu directs Ayade to step down from 2027 Senate race

Abuja, Nigeria — May 4, 2026

Former Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has stepped down from the race for the Cross River North Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ayade disclosed this in a statement on Monday, revealing that he was invited to Abuja for a high-level consultation with the Presidency, after which it became clear that he was expected to withdraw his senatorial ambition.

“I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony,” Ayade said.

The former governor, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighted his contributions to the growth of the party in the South-South region, noting that he was the first APC governor in the zone and played a key role in building its structure in Cross River State.

He also recalled his support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2023 elections, including promoting the slogan advocating his candidacy.

Ayade, however, expressed concern over what he described as being sidelined for over three years without a federal appointment, despite his contributions to the party.

He appealed to the President to reconsider the directive, arguing that his senatorial district has had limited representation compared to his main opponent, whom he said has spent about two decades in the National Assembly.

Despite stepping down, Ayade reaffirmed his continued support for the President, noting his ongoing grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.