C’River PDP Mocks Ayade Over Presidential Ambition

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has mocked the claims by Governor Ben Ayade that he is the best presidential candidate, describing him as a jester.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the state’s PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, during a press briefing in Calabar.
According to the PDP, the Governor “is just grandstanding out of desperation for his doomed political future.
“The entire country has come to know him as a jester. He knows nobody will ever entrust him with political power again. Not even his village people, most of whose land he has used his office to grab by force.”
Ayem further decried that “most businesses relocated out of Calabar to neighbouring Akwa Ibom State because of the harshness of the operating environment, epitomised by multiple taxation and harassment.”
The Tide source reports that Governor Ayade had touted his credentials as the best presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 elections during a guest appearance on AIT programme, Politics Today.
He noted that his willingness to contest would depend on the final decision of the All Progressives Congress regarding zoning of elective posts.
“Nigeria needs someone like me with uncommon intellect, vast knowledge in every subject under the sun, exposure, learning and international connections to change the country’s narratives.
“I think I am not somebody who likes to throw himself up, but nevertheless, if the party agrees that power should go to the South-South for equity and balance, I will run.
“If I come in as President, I will use the same intellect and magic used in Cross River to build endless factories without much of State’s resources. I will make it clear that I don’t have money to throw about.
“I can make a major difference if I become the APC candidate”, Ayade stated.