BEVERLY HILLS, May 20, (THEWILL) – Cross River State’s Governor Ben Ayade has explained why he finally ditched the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform he ran two terms from 2015.
The Governor announced his defection today at the Executive council Chambers of the governor’s office, saying he was leaving for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party at the centre of the country’s Federal Government.
He was received by the Acting Chairman of the Party and Governor of Yobe State, Buni Bala, alongside five other governors.
According to Ayade, the decision to defect came from a need to align with the President and assist him build a country Nigerians could be proud of.
He said: “We need to join hands with the president to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of. 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. If every one of us joins hands with the President, I think we can sit on the same dining table and agree on a way to govern the country.
“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. Cross River State is today formally declared as an APC state.”
Prior to the defection, Governor Ayade had complained about the manner he was being treated in PDP, especially being denied the leadership of the party in the state.
Crisis had rocked the party in the state over the control of the party at all levels.
While receiving the Governor, the APC Acting Chairman declared that the newcomer automatically became the leader of APC in the state.
Other PDP governors present at Ayade’s defection included: Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Mohammed Badaru (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku (Kebbi), Hope Uzodinma (Imo) and Simon Lalong (Plateau).
Also in attendance was the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
Reacting, former Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, said the decision of the Governor was 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 reaction said “the Governor has taken the right decision. We give him the chance. He is the right leader.”
Other political appointees such as commissioners and special advisers declined to comment on the governor’s defection.
It was gathered that some appointees were taken unawares, although some saw it coming.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
