The Ayadeism Movement, a prominent political organization dedicated to sustaining the legacy and political vision of former Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade, has issued a comprehensive and scathing rebuttal against a faction of political figures from Cross River North. The movement’s statement comes in direct response to recent public commentaries by self-styled “leaders of thought” from the senatorial district, who accused the former governor of working against the interest of the current state administration led by Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu.

In an extensive press statement signed by the executive leadership of the movement, the group expressed profound concern over what it described as a deliberate, coordinated, and malicious attempt to rewrite political history, assassinate the character of Senator Ayade, and engineer an artificial crisis between the former governor and his successor.

Exposing Political Hypocrisy and Revisionism

The movement launched a scathing critique against the critics, noting that many of those currently parading themselves as moral guardians and political commentators were, until recently, direct beneficiaries of the Ayade administration.

The statement highlighted the stark inconsistency in the actions of these individuals, pointing out that those who were integral components, active participants, and primary political beneficiaries of the previous government have suddenly turned around to discredit the platform that elevated them.

“It is particularly disturbing that some individuals who were beneficiaries, active participants, and indeed integral components of the Ayade-led administration have suddenly assumed the position of moral custodians and political commentators, seemingly out of desperation to rewrite history and discredit a man under whose administration they once operated. We consider this development not only hypocritical but an unfortunate demonstration of the desperation that has become increasingly evident in certain political quarters.”

The Ayadeism Movement cautioned against what it described as a dangerous culture of political ingratitude and selective outrage, asserting that public office or political realignment does not grant anyone the right to erase historical realities or vilify past leadership for immediate political gain.

Setting the Record Straight: Ayade’s Stance on Governor Otu and President Tinubu

Central to the press release was a thorough clarification of the recent public remarks made by Senator Ben Ayade, which had been seized upon by detractors to allege a rift within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State.

The movement clarified that Senator Ayade’s comments were fundamentally misunderstood, or intentionally misinterpreted, by individuals seeking to manufacture political instability. According to the group, the former governor’s statement contained no hostile intent, derogatory remarks, or covert attacks directed at Governor Bassey Otu.

On the contrary, the movement asserted that Senator Ayade’s address was a firm, unambiguous reaffirmation of his unalloyed loyalty to the APC, his commitment to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his full support for the current state administration headed by Governor Otu.

The former governor had explicitly declared his intention to mobilize his extensive political structure, networks, and supporters across Cross River State to ensure total victory for the APC and the Tinubu/Otu political platform in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The movement questioned how an explicit declaration of party loyalty and electoral solidarity could be twisted by critics into an act of confrontation.

Related Stories

“How, therefore, can a statement of political solidarity suddenly become an offence in the hands of those who appear more interested in manufacturing controversy than promoting party unity?”

Championing the Marginalized: The Ogoja Narrative

The statement also tackled the controversy surrounding Senator Ayade’s comments on the socio-political standing of the Ogoja people within the broader political structure of Cross River North and the state at large.

The Ayadeism Movement argued that when the former governor raised concerns regarding the perceived marginalization of Ogoja, he was giving voice to a legitimate socio-political sentiment shared by thousands of constituents. Advocating for equity, fairness, balance, and inclusive representation within a political constituency, the movement maintained, is the fundamental duty of any seasoned political leader.

The group challenged the logic of equating advocacy for regional equity with disloyalty or rebellion against the state government:

  • Legitimate Representation: Speaking up for the political interests of Cross River North and Ogoja is a exercise of democratic feedback, not an attack on the incumbent governor.
  • Constructive Dialogue Over Outrage: Issues regarding power sharing, representation, and development deserve thoughtful engagement rather than orchestrated media outrage.
  • Rejecting Blackmail: The movement warned that legitimate conversations about equity must not be hijacked by political opportunists to blackmail political leaders or ignite ethnic grievances.

Warning Against Using Governor Otu as a Political Shield

Addressing Governor Bassey Edet Otu directly, the Ayadeism Movement offered a respectful yet firm word of caution regarding the political dynamics within the state’s ruling party. The movement urged Governor Otu to remain vigilant and guard against self-serving political actors who seek to consolidate their own influence by creating imaginary enemies for his administration.

The group highlighted a concerning trend where political figures attempt to demonstrate loyalty to an incumbent governor by attacking his predecessor. The movement labeled this approach destructive, noting that the success of Governor Otu’s administration does not require the humiliation, politically motivated destruction, or marginalization of Senator Ben Ayade.

“We respectfully urge His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, the People’s Governor, not to allow the antics and interpretations of desperate political interests to distort the cordial political relationship between him and his predecessor. The Governor must be wary of individuals who may be projecting themselves as loyalists while simultaneously creating unnecessary divisions within the progressive family.”

The statement emphasized that both leaders occupy distinct historical and contemporary roles within Cross River State: Senator Ayade as a former governor, serving political leader, and foundational pillar of the APC in the state; and Governor Otu as the current head of state and leader of the party. Both roles, the movement argued, should exist in mutual respect and political harmony rather than conflict.

The Unshakeable Legacy of Ben Ayade

Responding to efforts aimed at diminishing Senator Ayade’s political stature, the movement declared that his legacy in Cross River State, ranging from industrialization drives and infrastructure projects to the historic decamping that firmly established the APC as the ruling party in the state, is permanently etched in history.

The movement noted that political relevance cannot be manufactured through social media campaigns, sponsored press conferences, or character assassination. It is earned through long-term service, structural impact, and leadership consistency.

“Let it be clearly understood that Senator Prof. Ben Ayade is not a political novice whose relevance can be determined by the approval or disapproval of a handful of political commentators… No individual or group should imagine that discrediting Ayade is the only route to political relevance in Cross River North.”

The Core Resolutions of the Ayadeism Movement

To conclude its declaration, the Ayadeism Movement outlined a six-point declaration setting its official position on record for the public, party members, and political observers:

  1. Defending the Legacy: The movement will firmly defend Senator Ben Ayade’s political contributions, achievements, and legacy with facts and conviction against any historical revisionism or political smear campaigns.
  2. Rejecting Manufactured Enmities: Senator Ayade and Governor Otu do not need to be enemies for other politicians to gain relevance. The state’s political discourse must evolve beyond manufactured personality clashes.
  3. Productive Political Engagement: Critics who feel threatened by Ayade’s political pedigree are advised to find constructive ways to participate in the political process rather than relying on character assassination.
  4. Permanent Historical Record: The historical contributions of the former governor to the state and the growth of the APC cannot be erased by temporary controversies or politically convenient amnesia.
  5. Call for Maturity: Cross River State requires unified leadership, political stability, and responsible governance—not divisive political maneuvers designed to pit leaders against one another.
  6. Commitment to APC Unity: The Ayadeism Movement stands resolute in its commitment to party cohesion, political fairness, mutual respect among leaders, and the overall victory of the APC in Cross River State moving toward 2027.

The statement ended with a call on all genuine stakeholders within the APC and Cross River State to reject political mischief, promote reconciliation, and redirect their energies toward supporting the state’s development agendas.