A political support group loyal to former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, known as the Ayadeism Movement, has dismissed allegations that the former governor is at odds with his successor, Governor Bassey Otu.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the group accused certain individuals styling themselves as leaders of thought from Cross River North of deliberately misinterpreting Ayade’s recent remarks to manufacture division within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the Ayadeism Movement, some of those leading the criticism were former appointees and beneficiaries of Ayade’s administration who are now attempting to rewrite history and discredit their former principal for political relevance. The group maintained that Ayade’s comments were neither an attack on Governor Otu nor an effort to undermine the current administration, insisting instead that the former governor remains committed to the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Otu’s government.

Addressing controversy surrounding Ayade’s recent remarks on the political standing of the Ogoja people and Cross River North, the movement argued that raising concerns about fairness, representation, and inclusion within the state’s political equation should not be construed as disloyalty or rebellion against the governor. The group challenged critics to produce any specific statement in which Ayade insulted or expressed hostility toward Otu.

The movement also urged Governor Otu to remain wary of political actors whom it accused of hiding behind displays of loyalty to settle personal scores and sow discord between him and his predecessor. It emphasized that both Otu and Ayade occupy distinct and complementary roles within the APC and called on party stakeholders across Cross River State to prioritize reconciliation, mutual respect, and party cohesion moving toward 2027.