It seems the embattled governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade has finally made up his mind to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), as information at our disposal has it that he may be meeting President Muhammadu Buhari next week to conclude plans for the defection.
One of his aides who spoke with Core Reporters under the condition of anonymity said, Gov. Ayade would have defected to APC since last week, but the absence of President Buhari stalled it but added that now that Buhari has returned to the country from his medical trip, Ayade will definitely visit him next week and conclude on his plan’s defection.
The Aide further stated that nothing on earth can stop Ayade from defecting to APC and with his supporters which include; all his appointees,18 Local government chairmen and councillors as well as others.
Ayade had earlier demanded his due respect and recognition from his party while saying that if that was not accorded to him he was ready to dump the PDP for APC.
However, Ayade who expressed his bitterness over the antics of the leadership of the PDP to the Bauchi state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed in Calabar during the former visit last month said the time has come when he will put his foot down and make a decision on the basis of what will prosper the collective well-being of his people.
“I cannot blind myself to the challenges of PDP and decide not to know what to do at the right time for their (Cross River people) sake. “I know you are somebody that doesn’t take injustice. One single injustice they will see a new Cross River state,” he said.
Core Reporters report that after the judgment of the Supreme Court on February 25, 2021, which ruled in favour of the member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom as the authentic flag bearer and winner of December 5, 2020, Senatorial by-election of C’River North Senatorial district, Ayade concluded that he was no longer needed in the party, coupled with the fact that the party structure in the state has already been hijacked by members of the National Assembly in conjunction with the PDP national secretariat.
