Former Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has spoken publicly about his frustrations with the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party has failed to give him the recognition he expected after taking what he described as major political risks.

Ayade, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2021, said he joined the ruling party at a time when the entire South-South region was in the opposition, a move he says came with personal sacrifices and political battles that are not fully understood or appreciated.

Speaking in a recent media interview, the former governor said he expected more consideration from the APC, especially as he was the first sitting governor from the South-South to align his state with the ruling party. Instead, he said he has been treated in a manner that leaves him with “scars,” adding that the experiences are still fresh and largely unacknowledged.

Ayade said he fought hard to bring Cross River State into the APC fold. “I am carrying the scars of the battle for the sovereignty of the state,” he said.

Despite his disappointments, Ayade emphasized that he still believes President Bola Tinubu understands the political risks he took. He described Tinubu as “a smart leader” who remembers those who stood by him and expressed optimism that the president will eventually “surprise the country positively.”

Reflecting on his 2021 defection, Ayade said the decision was based on deep political calculation and not emotion. According to him, he foresaw that the opposition would soon lose national relevance and moved early to “socket to the center” to keep Cross River politically aligned with the federal government.

He also said he was one of the earliest politicians to openly endorse Tinubu for president, even before the APC presidential primaries, and consistently promoted Tinubu’s candidacy during the 2023 electioneering period. In his words, this support was so consuming that he sometimes forgot he had his own election to worry about.

Ayade expressed disappointment that, despite his loyalty and contributions, the APC has not treated him fairly or credited him for his efforts in the South-South. However, he maintained hope that President Tinubu will eventually address the situation.

“I believe, in spite of all the stories, President Tinubu will surprise this nation. The president knows those who stood with him during challenging political times," he said.