Tinubu Requests Ayade to Withdraw from Senate Race

Ben Ayade, the former governor of Cross River State, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked him to withdraw his candidacy for the Senate. Ayade made this announcement via a lengthy statement on his Facebook page on Monday, following high-level consultations in Abuja.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the political developments and noted that he had not received any appointments despite his support for the administration over the past three years. Ayade, who was the first APC governor in the South-South region, highlighted his contributions to strengthening the party's presence in Cross River, where he delivered nearly 40,000 votes above the PDP in the presidential election.

He urged calm among supporters and indicated that he would respect the President's request, suggesting a possible review of the decision. Ayade emphasized his loyalty to the APC and pledged to support its candidates while discouraging any actions that would contradict the President's directive.