As the political atmosphere steadily gathers momentum toward the 2027 general elections, one name continues to resonate across Cross River North, Professor Ben Ayade. His anticipated return to the Senate represents far more than a political aspiration; it is a renewed call to service, born out of experience, vision, and an inexorable commitment to the growth and prosperity of his people. Note the following about him:
1. Proven Capacity and Experience
Professor Ben Ayade’s public service record remains unmatched. Having served as Senator and Governor, Ayade has demonstrated the rare capacity to turn big ideas into visible and lasting impact.
His tenure as governor ushered in a new era of industrialization, infrastructure, and innovation. From the garment factory to the rice mill, from Obudu infrastructural uplift to digital and educational transformation. Sending Ayade back to the Senate means sending experience, not experimentation. He doesn’t need an orientation; he will start working from day one.
2. A Voice with National Reach
Politics is about influence and visibility and Ayade has both. His deep national connections and respected standing within federal circles make him a powerful voice for Cross River North.
As a two-term governor who aligned Cross River with the center and former legislator, Ayade has built strong relationships with key decision-makers in Abuja. This network gives him the leverage to attract federal projects, political appointments, and infrastructural investments that others may struggle to secure. In national politics, relationships matter and Ayade has them in abundance.
3. A Builder of Bridges, Not Walls
Ayade’s politics has always been inclusive and forward-looking. He is known for bringing people of diverse political interests together under a shared vision of progress.
His defection to the APC was not an act of selfish ambition but a strategic move to connect Cross River to the center of power, ensuring that the state remained part of national conversations. In a time when division weakens progress, Ayade’s ability to build bridges across party lines and uniting factions is exactly the leadership Cross River North need
4. A Legacy of Development-Oriented Leadership
Even his fiercest critics agree that Ayade is a builder. His developmental zeal remains evident in the numerous projects and industries he established to stimulate local economies and create jobs.
From agriculture to education, from tourism to industrial ventures, Ayade laid solid foundation for a more self-reliant Cross River. His vision has always been clear: a state that produces what it consumes and exports what it creates. Re-electing Ayade is not just about nostalgia; it’s about continuing a visionary legacy of development.
5. The Need for Strong and Effective Representation
At a time when Cross River North must reposition itself within Nigeria’s national politics, the importance of strong representation cannot be overstated. The Senate is not a training ground, it is an arena where only those with experience, confidence, and networks can effectively protect the interests of their people.
Sending a weak or politically inexperienced voice to Abuja risks consigning Cross River North to irrelevance and neglect. The region needs a fighter, negotiator, and strategist, someone who understands the system and knows how to use it to bring home real benefits.
Professor Ben Ayade embodies these qualities. His years of service at both state and national levels have equipped him with a deep understanding of policy formulation, legislative negotiation, and political diplomacy. In the Senate, Ayade would not be a spectator; he would be an active participant in national decision-making, influencing budgets, securing federal presence, and ensuring that Cross River North gets its fair share of development.
He has the courage to speak truth to power, the intellect to frame compelling arguments, and the influence to push them through. His return to the Senate guarantees that Cross River North will once again have a loud, respected, and effective voice, one that commands attention in Abuja and delivers tangible results at home.
Conclusion
The 2027 elections should not be about party sentiment or personal ambition; they should be about capacity, influence, and vision. Cross River North deserves a representative who can make things happen, not just make promises.
Professor Ben Ayade remains that leader, experienced, visionary, and deeply committed to the progress of his people. His return to the Senate will not only strengthen the voice of Cross River North in national affairs but will also rekindle the developmental energy that the region so urgently needs.
In Ayade, Cross River North has not just a candidate but a tested and trusted champion of progress, a man ready once again to serve, to build, and to deliver.
Ayade Media
