Cross Rivers Gov Speaks on 2023 Race

The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has said he is open to becoming the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2023 general elections.

He stated this on Wednesday during his appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ program. 

When asked whether he won’t mind being considered as the presidential candidate of his party, Ayade said, “I think the party should take a decision based on zoning principles which would be resolved as a party.”

When further interrogated if he would be part of the race, the Governor said, “Let me say, yes and no; if the (APC) family finds that I am fit and proper, yes. If the family finds that there is a better option and that option fits into the zoning (arrangement), of course, I will stand by the party position. I am a conformist; I stand with the system. I have never been an aberrant, I work with the system.”

Recall that in May 2021, Ayade defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC.

Meanwhile, as 2023 draws near, several aspirants have aired their ambition for the presidential race. The likes of Bola Tinubu and David Umahi had met with President Buhari to declare their interest in the number one seat.

With barely a year to the 2023 general election, many politicians have started declaring their intention to run for the exalted office in Aso Villa.

Other Presidential hopefuls are  former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, a Media practitioner; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Abia State and Majority Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu; former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu,