I will support Jonathan as APC presidential candidate — Ayade 

…Says Buhari has given him nod to contest

By Seth Akande

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has promised to support former president Goodluck Jonathan if he chooses to contest for president as a member of   All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ayade stated this following the speculations that the former President would be returning to the exalted office  as a member of the APC ahead of 2023 elections.

However, he disclosed that he has received the approval of President Buhari  to contest for president in 2023. This, he said is a follow up  to request for support made to President Buhari on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ayade said the President had asked him to make necessary consultations on the matter with his people while he watches.

“I believe that the party leadership will decide the appropriate candidate that will take our party to victory and so if you hear me well, I am just part of the family, absolutely loyal to the President, seeking to run for president and I’m running,” Ayade said.

“At any point in time the political leadership of my party, the APC, feels that President Jonathan is the appropriate candidate that will take us to victory, I will turn my support for him.

“I am never ever going to fight the establishment, the institution, the aristocracy, the spiritual vortex of which God has placed a leader in the country. I will never question the powers of the leader of the country.

“I have never played the politics of antagonism or fights. If you know how I became governor, I became governor by offering to support whoever the governor wants.

“By a stroke of luck, I became the candidate. The same token… I’m only here to support the President’s candidate and by a stroke of luck he said you too go there and join the race.”