How APC Betrayed My Loyalty Despite My Sacrifices for Tinubu - Ben Ayade

...Former Cross River Governor laments neglect by APC, recalls sacrifices made to align the state with the ruling party and early support for President Bola Tinubu.

Former Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has expressed deep disappointment over what he described as unfair treatment by the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite his unwavering loyalty and sacrifices to strengthen the party in the South-South region.

Ayade, who governed Cross River between 2015 and 2023, told reporters in a recent media interview that he expected the ruling party to acknowledge his pivotal role in bringing his state into the APC fold.

"I am carrying the scars of the battle for the sovereignty of the state,ÔÇØ Ayade lamented. "That scar has not healed. But I know President Bola Tinubu understands this very well. He knows Ayade very well.ÔÇØ

According to him, the decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2021 was a calculated and patriotic move aimed at ensuring Cross River's political relevance at the national level.

"I could see tomorrow,ÔÇØ Ayade said confidently. "It was clear that Nigeria was heading towards a phase where the opposition would have little space. The crystal ball was clear.ÔÇØ

The former governor stated that his defection to the APC was not based on personal ambition but on the need to "socket the state to the centerÔÇØ - a move he believed would attract federal attention and development to his people.

He reminded Nigerians that he was among the first political leaders to openly endorse Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the presidency, long before the APC's primaries.

"I did that openly, even on international platforms like the BBC,ÔÇØ Ayade noted. "I said if Tinubu could fix Lagos, he could fix Nigeria.ÔÇØ

Ayade also revealed that during the 2023 general elections, he devoted his time and energy to Tinubu's campaign, sometimes at the expense of his own senatorial race.

"Sometimes I even forgot that I had my own election,ÔÇØ he said. "I was just talking about Bola Tinubu everywhere.ÔÇØ

Despite his visible loyalty and contributions, Ayade lamented that the APC has not treated him fairly, noting that those who stood by the President during the party's tough times deserve recognition.

"The APC has not treated me fairly,ÔÇØ he said. "But I remain hopeful that justice will come, and President Tinubu will recognize those who stood with him when it mattered most.ÔÇØ

He, however, reaffirmed his confidence in Tinubu's leadership and his belief that the President will reward loyalty and commitment in due time.

"I believe, in spite of all the stories, President Tinubu will surprise this nation,ÔÇØ Ayade stated. "He knows those who stood by him, and he will act wisely.ÔÇØ