Tinubu asks Ayade to drop 2027 Senate bid — Ex-governor reacts with ‘tears of agony’

Thenationonlineng | 05-05-2026 09:44am |

Senator Ben Ayade, the former governor of Cross River State, has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 race for the Cross River North Senatorial seat. This decision comes after a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which Ayade described as a significant influence on his choice. In an emotional statement released on Monday, he expressed his feelings of sorrow and disappointment, referring to his reaction as "tears of agony" following a recent high-level meeting that prompted this outcome.

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