[Breaking] 2023: Ben Ayade Joins Presidential Race

Governor of Cross River State, Benedict Ayade has announced his intention to run for the office of the president in the 2023 general election.

The former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP member will contest under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Naija News understands.

The 54-year-old politician was at the Presidential villa on Tuesday to discuss his ambition with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Shortly after the closed-door meeting, Ayade said Buhari gave him a thumbs up to proceed with consultations of top party members and stakeholders from the south-south region.

Stating parts of his manifesto, Ayade said if elected, he would concentrate on power, security and economic challenges.

He, however, said he would not hesitate to align with any candidate of Buhari’s choice, to consolidate on the modest achievements of the APC.

Reacting to the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan also declaring for the presidency from the same zone and how that would affect his ambition, Ayade said he would gladly support Jonathan if he is the anointed candidate of the party.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News