Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has on Thursday, May 20 dumped Peoples Democratic Party to join All Progressives Congress party.
The governor announced his decision to join APC this morning during a meeting with six APC governors who visited him at the Government House.
Ayade announced his decision moments ago at the Executive Council chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar.
According to CrossWatch, some governors in the All Progressives Congress arrived in Calabar State on Wednesday to persuade Ayade to defect from PDP to their party.
Some of the APC governors are Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodima; David Umahi of Ebonyi State, and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State as well as Minister for State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, among others.
Speaking after the defection, Ayade said with his defection, he is now the leader of APC in Cross River State, and all the party structures are under his control.
He said there is dire need for him and other governors to work closely with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ayade expressed;
We need to join hands with President Buhari in his determination to enhance the fortunes of the county.
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. We all need to sit on the same dining table with Mr President to save Nigeria.
He added;
It is my responsibility to bring back Cross River to the centre in order to enhance her fortunes. I therefore formally declare myself as member and leader of APC in Cross River State.
