I SAW WILD JUBILATION FROM ALL QUARTERS AS THE GIANT ALAKUKU OF MODERN DAY POLITICS SEN. PROF. BEN AYADE RE-EMERGED ON THE POLITICAL SCENE
There is no doubt that the erstwhile Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prof Ben Ayade has stamped his footprints on the political landscape of Cross River State and at the national level.
His appearance in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the Northern Senatorial District, marked the beginning of a political adventure that was destined to blossom into incredibly enigmatic proportions.
From the Senate, he emerged the flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2015 general elections and was elected overwhelmingly by the entire people of Cross River State.
Having been sworn in as the executive Governor on 29th May, 2015 he held the position for 8 years and made very sterling contributions to the growth and development of the State. However, his attempt to get back into the Senate was thwarted in a bonfire of brotherly betrayals and sheer photoplay of outrageous shenanigans.
Since he handed over power to the incumbent Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, he has been quiet, bidding his time and most likely, making his calculations. He simply went into thin air and became completely incommunicado to the amazement of many. He made absolutely no public appearances and no interference at all in any political discourse at all levels.
This personal decision to alienate himself from every political discourse worried so many.
Today, there is wild jubilation in all quarters as the Giant Alakuku and one of the greatest modern heroes on the nation’s political landscape re-emerged on the scene. His only public outting in Cross River State was the burial of the late Senate President of the second Republic, Senator Dr. Joseph Wayas while his engagement at the national scene was the APC Summit at the presidential villa and now, at the APC South -South Stakeholders Meeting in Benin, Edo State.
It is pertinent to add that in all of these appearances, the covert and overt responses from the people towards him has always been very ecstatic, expectant and superlatively heartwarming.
Going through the herculean task of being reinvented into Nigerian politics is quite easy for him because he is and remains a great team player of remarkable standing.
The entire people both within and outside the State look forward to seeing him in more public fora and playing significant roles as he is used to.
The theme of the 2025 APC South-South Stakeholders meeting in Edo State was Renewed Hope in Action, Strengthening APC Mobilization and Governance in the South -South
The well attended meeting of the South -South region of the APC comprised of all the stakeholders from the zone and it left lasting memories.
The meeting witnessed a very unanimous vote of confidence which was passed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his renewed hope agenda as well as a resounding endorsement of his second term in office.
In the same vein, a vote of confidence was also passed on the four governors from the zone, who included Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
These very significant endorsements, coming at this time in the nation’s political calendar period, has undoubtedly signalled another twist to the 2027 gubernatorial and presidential elections in Nigeria and the stakes are high and fully replete with high wired lobbying and careful politicking.
As the nation prepares ahead of 2027, the clear message is that the South South region is favourably disposed to the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire APC team.
The party today stands united, energized and very committed and sticking to delivering victory for the All Progressives Congress and the continued progress of the nation and its people under the visionary leadership of the incumbent President.
Much has been written, much has been analysed, much is expected from the outcome of the pending elections in 2027 and Nigerians from all walks of life awaits with great anxiety.
BEATRICE AKPALA IS A BROADCAST JOURNALIST IN CROSS RIVER STATE- NIGERIA.
