Former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has revealed the rationale behind his 2021 defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking to journalists in Calabar on Friday, Ayade described the move as a strategic decision based on clear foresight of Nigeria’s political direction.
The ex-governor explained his departure from PDP stemmed from accurately predicting the nation’s political trajectory. “The real truth was that I could see tomorrow. The crystal ball was clear,” Ayade stated. He observed Nigeria “gradually descending into the level of caution,” making alignment with the ruling party essential.
“It was obvious that I saw tomorrow,” Ayade emphasized. “I knew the right action was to cross to the ruling party.” This strategic shift birthed his much-discussed political principle. “That’s why I created the principle of socketing to the centre,” he added.
Ayade detailed that implementing this concept required meticulous planning. Proper execution demanded “a dialectical analysis of the situation with careful surgery of necessary actions.” The former governor acknowledged the political battles triggered by his defection.
He revealed he still carries “scars from the battle for the state’s sovereignty.” Ayade’s comments provide new insight into one of Nigeria’s most notable political crossovers.
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