Former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu asked him to withdraw from the senatorial race, a request he said he has accepted despite expressing deep disappointment.

Ayade disclosed in a lengthy Facebook post on Monday, saying the directive followed a high-level political consultation in Abuja.

According to him, “Mr President wants me to withhold my Senate ambition. I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony.”

He, however, suggested that the President may not have been fully briefed on the political situation in Cross River State, particularly concerning those benefiting from the decision.

Ayade also expressed frustration over what he described as political marginalisation, claiming he had been sidelined for over three years without any appointment despite his support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He further recalled his role in strengthening the party in the South-South, noting that he was the first APC governor in the region and contributed significantly to the party’s electoral performance in the state.

“For over three years, I have been sidelined without appointment,” he said.

The former governor also criticised the decision to favour a newer entrant into the party, describing it as painful, but urged his supporters to respect the President’s directive.

He added that his supporters should suspend plans to purchase nomination forms for the Senate race for now, insisting that compliance with the order was necessary.

“I suggest that my supporters should not buy the form as I’ll be guilty of going against the order of Mr President,” he stated.

Despite his grievances, Ayade reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the party and its candidates ahead of future elections.