
The Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, has declared for 2023 presidency, after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.
Ayade stated that Buhari mentioned he had not intervened but advised him to consult with party leaders from southeastern Nigeria.
The governor of Cross River defected from the Peoples Democratic Party and went to the All Progressives Congress in May 2021, announcing the decision after a closed meeting with six APC governors and the Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, in the governor’s executive council. Office in Calabar.
The rulers who were present were Caiaphas, the son of Ekiti; Mohammed Badaru of Jigawa; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe; Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi; Hope Uzodinma of Imo; and Simon Lalong of Plateau.
Following the race to announce the APC presidential ticket, Ayade said he would focus on power, security and the economy if he finally stepped down as President of Nigeria.
Ayade has joined the long list of politicians who have expressed interest in running for the APC seat, but he said he was ready to go along with anyone Buhari would choose.
He also said he would support former president Goodluck Jonathan if he was elected party president.