AYADE SETS TO DUMPS PDP FOR APC

“Ayade’s nominees for the state chapter of the party’s executive positions did not receive acceptance by the national secretariat in the recent selection exercise carried out”…..Ekanem Peters

Grapevine report reveals that Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has concluded plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In what seems like an attempt to spite the PDP for undermining his contribution, the Governor may have reached out to top APC chieftains to pave the way for his entrance into their party.

According to Ekanem Peters, this development arose when Senator Ayade’s nominees for the state chapter of the party’s executive positions did not receive acceptance by the national secretariat in the recent selection exercise carried out.

Peters, who is said to be in the know of happenings in the state, disclosed that the rejection of the Governor’s major candidates, according to inside sources shocked Ayade major candidates who felt undermined with the decision of the party.

Only recently, precisely on 26 April, the National Headquarters of the PDP approved the names of new party executives and the nominees of the Governor could not scale through the selection process

Political analysts in the state reveal that Ayade’s decision might not be far from recent developments within the party’s national headquarters that have seen Governor Ayade unable to plant his loyalists in key positions at the national level.

A letter from the PDP National Secretariat, signed by its National Organizing Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu with reference number, PDP/DOM/GF.V/VOL 2/20-387B and addressed the Cross River state chairman of the party, Edim Inok Edim, the Governor was informed of the tagged ”authentic list for the 196 wards and 18 LGAs”.

Checks by this medium shows that loyalists of the Governor including staunch supporters are mounting pressures on their leader to do the needful if the party does not appreciate his relevance and contributions.

Currently, Cross River state is considered as one of the most vibrant states in the country especially now with the proactive steps adopted by the Governor to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen the state take the lead among states in the region.