Cross River 2027: Northern Councillors Rally Behind Ayade While Rejecting Premature Endorsement Claims!

April 4, 2026 6 Min Read

Reported by Musa Antiketu,| Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

In a development that underscores the evolving dynamics of political alignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, councillors from the northern senatorial district of Cross River State have publicly declared their readiness to support former governor Ben Ayade should he choose to contest for the Senate. At the same time, the councillors have firmly dismissed circulating reports suggesting that a formal endorsement has already been made.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation about the political future of Ayade, who served as governor of Cross River State from 2015 to 2023 and later transitioned to a federal ministerial role. As political actors across Nigeria begin early positioning for 2027, the statement by grassroots political leaders in the state’s northern axis reflects both loyalty to Ayade and an attempt to maintain procedural credibility within the democratic process.
Councillors Speak: Support Without Premature Commitment
In a jointly signed communiqué, the councillors emphasized that while they hold Ayade in high regard and are willing to support his potential senatorial ambition, any talk of endorsement at this stage is both premature and inaccurate.
According to the statement, the councillors expressed appreciation for Ayade’s contributions to the development of Cross River State, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, industrialization initiatives, and regional representation. However, they stressed that no formal political endorsement has been issued, urging the public and political stakeholders to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
“We wish to categorically state that while we are ready to support His Excellency, Senator Ben Ayade, should he decide to run for the Senate in 2027, no official endorsement has been made by us or any recognized political structure in the Northern Senatorial District,” the statement read in part.
This measured position highlights a delicate balancing act demonstrating political loyalty while preserving democratic legitimacy. By distancing themselves from claims of early endorsement, the councillors appear keen to avoid accusations of imposing candidacies or undermining internal party processes.
The Ayade Factor in Cross River Politics
Ayade remains a significant political figure in Cross River State and beyond. His tenure as governor was marked by ambitious industrial projects, including attempts to establish manufacturing and agro processing facilities. While some of these projects generated debate over feasibility and impact, they nonetheless positioned Ayade as a bold and unconventional political actor.
His political journey has also been characterized by strategic shifts, most notably his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during his second term as governor. The move reshaped the political landscape in Cross River State and aligned him more closely with the ruling party at the federal level at the time.
Given his experience as a former governor and current national-level actor, Ayade is widely seen as a formidable contender should he decide to pursue a senatorial seat. The northern senatorial district, which he hails from, is expected to be a critical battleground in 2027.
Navigating Political Speculation and Media Narratives
The councillors’ statement also reflects a broader concern about the role of misinformation and speculative reporting in shaping political discourse. In recent weeks, various media reports and social media narratives suggested that grassroots leaders in the northern district had already endorsed Ayade’s senatorial ambition.
By publicly refuting these claims, the councillors are not only clarifying their position but also signaling a commitment to transparency and due process. In Nigeria’s often volatile political environment, premature endorsements can trigger internal party conflicts, alienate potential aspirants, and undermine democratic competition.
Political analysts note that early endorsements especially when not universally agreed upon can create fractures within party structures. By taking a cautious approach, the councillors may be seeking to preserve unity within their ranks and allow for a more inclusive decision-making process closer to the election cycle.
Grassroots Politics and the Importance of Local Leadership
The role of councillors in Nigeria’s political ecosystem is frequently underestimated. As elected representatives at the local government level, councillors serve as a critical link between the grassroots and higher levels of governance. Their support can significantly influence electoral outcomes, particularly in rural and semi urban areas where personal networks and community trust play a pivotal role.
In Cross River State, the northern senatorial district comprises several local government areas with diverse socio-economic and cultural dynamics. The collective stance of councillors from this region therefore carries substantial weight in shaping political narratives and mobilizing voter support.
Their willingness to back Ayade albeit conditionally suggests that he retains considerable goodwill among local leaders. At the same time, their insistence on procedural integrity indicates an awareness of the need to uphold democratic norms.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s 2027 Political Landscape
Although the 2027 elections are still some distance away, political maneuvering has already begun across Nigeria. Key figures are positioning themselves for various offices, alliances are being formed, and party structures are being recalibrated.
In this context, the situation in Cross River State is emblematic of a wider trend: the interplay between loyalty to established political figures and the need to maintain open, competitive processes. As voters become increasingly discerning and demand greater accountability, political actors are under pressure to balance ambition with transparency.
The stance taken by the Cross River northern councillors may therefore be seen as a strategic move to align with both local expectations and broader democratic principles.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
While Ayade himself has not made any official declaration regarding a 2027 senatorial bid, reactions from political stakeholders have been mixed. Supporters view the councillors’ statement as a positive indication of grassroots backing, while critics argue that even conditional support at this stage could influence the political playing field.
Some members within the APC and opposition parties have called for restraint, emphasizing that all aspirants should be given a level playing field. Others have highlighted the importance of internal party democracy, noting that endorsements should emerge from transparent and inclusive processes.
Civil society organizations and political observers have also weighed in, urging the media to exercise caution in reporting unverified claims. They stress that accurate and responsible journalism is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring informed participation in the democratic process.
Media Responsibility and Ethical Reporting
The controversy surrounding the alleged endorsement underscores the critical role of the media in shaping political narratives. In an era of rapid information dissemination, unverified reports can quickly gain traction, influencing public perception and potentially altering political outcomes.
Reputable media organizations such as The Guardian Nigeria, Premium Times, Vanguard News, and Channels Television have consistently emphasized the importance of fact-checking and balanced reporting in political coverage. Their approach serves as a benchmark for maintaining journalistic integrity in a highly competitive media landscape.
For Sele Media Africa, the commitment to authoritative, independent, and Pan-African journalism entails not only reporting the facts but also providing context, amplifying diverse perspectives, and holding power to account.
What Lies Ahead
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Cross River State is expected to become increasingly dynamic. Key questions remain: Will Ayade formally declare his intention to run for the Senate? How will party structures evolve in response to emerging aspirants? And what role will grassroots leaders play in shaping the final outcome?
The answers to these questions will depend on a range of factors, including internal party dynamics, voter sentiment, and broader national trends. What is clear, however, is that the early positioning of political actors and the narratives surrounding them will continue to influence the trajectory of the race.
For now, the Cross River northern councillors have made their position clear: they are open to supporting Ayade, but only within the framework of a transparent and democratic process.
Conclusion
The declaration by councillors in Cross River’s northern senatorial district represents a nuanced approach to political engagement one that combines loyalty to a prominent figure with a commitment to procedural integrity. By rejecting claims of premature endorsement, they have reaffirmed the importance of due process in Nigeria’s democratic system.
As political activities intensify in the lead up to 2027, such measured interventions may prove crucial in fostering unity, maintaining credibility, and ensuring that the electoral process remains inclusive and competitive.
For stakeholders across the political spectrum, the message is clear: support must be earned, processes must be respected, and the will of the people must remain paramount.