Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, defects to APC

The Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, on Thursday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ayade announced the decision after a meeting with six APC Governors at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office in Calabar.

Governor Ben Ayade dumps PDP after a closed-door meeting with six APC Governors

The Governors in attendance were those of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; Jigawa, Mohammed Badaru; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Kebbi, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Imo, Hope Uzodima; and Plateau, Simon Along, and also the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.

Talking during the defection, Ayade said, “We need to join hands with President Buhari in his determination to enhance the fortunes of the country.

“I need all governors to similarly join me and understand my decision to join the APC.

“We need to work ahead with the President for the future and unity of Nigeria. We all need to sit at the same dining table with Mr President to save Nigeria.

“It is my responsibility to bring back Cross River to the centre in order to enhance her fortunes.

“I therefore formally declare myself a member and leader of APC in Cross River State.”

Additionally speaking after Ayade joined the party, Governor Buni stated that the Governor automatically becomes the leader of the party in the state.

Responding, ex-Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, declared that the decision of the Governor is a “Right move in the right direction. Where the leader of the state goes, I go with him.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Tina Banku-Agbor in her response said, “The Governor has taken the right decision. We give him the chance. He is the right leader.”

Other political leaders such as commissioners and special advisers refused to comment on the defection of the Governor.

It was learnt that some political leaders were surprised, though some saw it coming.

Preceding the defection, Governor Ayade had lamented about the way he was being treated in PDP, particularly being deprived of the leadership of the party in the state.

Crisis had affected the party in the state over party control at all stages.