Ayade’s absence from PDP convention triggers defection rumour

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Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade

•Denies offering Makarfi N1b to seek re-election
•I have no regrets over Sheriff’s removal as chairman, says Wike

Speculations are rife that Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers State may leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).This followed his absence from the party’s non-elective convention held in Abuja on Saturday.

While the party’s leadership crisis lasted, Ayade supported Senator Ali-Modu Sherrif against Ahmed Makarfi.Online media reports had alleged that the disagreement started when Ayade attempted to bribe Makarfi with N1billion to secure automatic re-election ticket for 2019, which he dismissed as complete falsehood.

However, his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu attended the convention.Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has disclosed that he has no regrets in the democratic struggle that removed Modu-Sheriff as the party’s national chairman.

Wike, who stated this at the convention in an interview with journalists, said he would do the same thing if the opportunity reoccurs, adding that some people who were part of the struggle had failed to maintain their stand.

He explained that the challenges faced by the party were over, adding that it would restore hope when it takes over the country’s affairs in 2019.“In every family, there are challenges and we have had our own and learnt some lessons. Now we are back to let Nigerians know that home is home.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party of deceit, propaganda and intimidation. It is obvious that there is nothing hopeful about the party,” he said.
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose and a lawmaker, Nicholas Ossai supported Wike’s position that the party would return to power in 2019.

Among the 30, 000 delegates who attended the convention were former President Goodluck Jonathan, his deputy, Namadi Sambo, governors and former Senate Presidents, Adolph Wabara, David Mark, deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and minority leader, Godswill Akpabio.