Ben Ayade defection to APC reflects strategic foresight, reshaping Cross River politics and strengthening ties with Nigeria’s ruling party
The Nigerian political scene has witnessed numerous realignments, but few have drawn as much attention as the Ben Ayade defection to APC.
The former Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, who led the state from 2015 to 2023, made headlines in 2021 when he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move, he insists, was a calculated and strategic decision, informed by foresight and a clear understanding of Nigeria’s political trajectory.
Ayade explained his rationale shortly after arriving in Calabar, the state capital, where APC supporters welcomed him at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
Speaking to journalists, he stated that the decision to defect was grounded in careful analysis rather than opportunism.
“The real truth was that I could see tomorrow. The crystal ball was clear,” he said, emphasizing that the Ben Ayade defection to APC was part of a broader vision for political influence and state development.
At a time when Nigeria appeared to be “gradually descending into the level of caution,” Ayade saw it necessary to align with the ruling party.
“It was obvious that I saw tomorrow, and I knew that the right thing for us to do at that point in time was to cross to the ruling party,” he noted. His insight reflected a desire to remain strategically relevant and to ensure that Cross River State maintained influence at the federal level.
Central to Ayade’s political philosophy is what he calls the principle of “socketing to the centre.”
This principle entails aligning with the core of national power to maximize political leverage, attract developmental projects, and strengthen governance.
“And that’s why I came up with the principle of socketing to the centre,” he explained, adding that such alignment requires careful planning and thorough analysis of the political environment.
Ayade emphasized that the process of achieving this strategic positioning demanded intellectual rigor.
“To do so, it required us to understand and conduct a dialectical analysis of the situation with a proper surgery of what I needed to do to be able to socket properly to the centre,” he said.
This deliberate and methodical approach underscores that his defection was not merely a change of party but a tactical strategy aimed at consolidating influence.
The Ben Ayade defection to APC has come with political and personal challenges. The former governor admitted that he carries “the scars of the battle for the sovereignty of the state,” referring to the criticism and political friction that followed his move.
Yet, despite the hurdles, he remains confident that his strategic decision was necessary for both his political survival and the advancement of Cross River State.
Political analysts have noted that Ayade’s defection is illustrative of a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where alignment with the ruling party can provide access to federal resources, project funding, and stronger influence over national policymaking.
While critics may argue that such moves reflect opportunism, Ayade maintains that the defection was motivated by foresight and the practicalities of governance in a complex multiparty system.
A major factor reinforcing Ayade’s confidence is his longstanding relationship with President Bola Tinubu.
“My relationship with him predates his days as president. So he knows who I am. He knows my word,” Ayade said, highlighting that personal trust and political alliances are as critical as party affiliation.
The strategic nature of the Ben Ayade defection to APC also highlights the challenges Nigerian governors face in balancing party loyalty with governance effectiveness.
By joining the ruling party, Ayade positioned himself to influence federal policies, attract developmental projects, and ensure that Cross River State had a voice in national politics. For him, the move was less about ideology and more about practical governance and foresight.
This defection has sparked wider debates about political foresight in Nigeria. Leaders like Ayade argue that anticipating national political trends is essential not only for personal positioning but also for state development.
Aligning with the ruling party, he believes, can facilitate smoother governance, access to resources, and stronger advocacy for state interests at the federal level.
The ripple effects of Ayade’s strategic move continue to shape Cross River politics, where party realignments influence political discourse and electoral dynamics.
Supporters view his decision as visionary and evidence of a nuanced understanding of political strategy. Critics, meanwhile, question the implications for party loyalty and political consistency.
Despite this, Ayade remains steadfast that the decision was essential for long-term relevance and state progress.
The Ben Ayade defection to APC remains a defining moment in Nigerian political history. It demonstrates how strategic thinking, foresight, and tactical alignment can influence governance and political survival.
By openly explaining his rationale, Ayade has provided insight into the considerations that drive high-stakes political decisions, illustrating that defection, when executed with strategy and foresight, can serve both personal and state interests.
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