I Didn't Buy The Senatorial Form Myself, They're Distracting My Presidential Ambition - Ayade

 

Governor Ben Ayade has finally reacted to reports that he bought the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial nomination form few days after some groups presented him with the party's presidential nomination form in Abuja, a move many described as having a plan B.

GRASSROOT REPORTERS had reported that a list indicating that the governor purchased the form on May 10, had leaked.

APC Cross River State senatorial list with Governor Ayade's name on it

Reacting in a statement on Friday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, the governor said he's still in the race for the presidency, describing the purchase of the form in his name as a distraction.

The governor denied knowledge of the purchase of the form.

Professor Ben Ayade said he is in the presidential race to win and is thus not running for senate as being speculated.

Ayade said while his attention has been drawn to the purported purchase of senatorial nomination form in his name, those behind it did so without his knowledge or authorization.

The governor emphasized that the only election he is contesting is for the office of the president.

Mr. Ita quoted the governor as saying:

"I make bold to say, and also reassure millions of my supporters across the country that I am in the presidential race to win and will pursue this ambition to its logical conclusion. 

"I am currently engrossed in octane consultations with critical party stakeholders on how to clinch the presidential ticket of my great party, the APC and have nothing to do with a purported Senate form bearing my name" the statement further quoted the presidential hopeful as saying.

Describing the alleged Senate form as a distraction targeted at his presidential ambition, Ayade urged his supporters to remain resolute in their support and not to fall for "this distraction targeted at our collective resolve to reinvent Nigeria through our impending victory.