Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, is navigating a tense political standoff over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Cross River North. The battle pits former governor Senator Ben Ayade against incumbent Senator Agom Jarigbe, who is seeking re-election after 12 years in the National Assembly. Tensions flared when Ayade re-emerged in late 2025, triggering the removal of then-APC state chairman Alphonsus Eba over a controversial welcome event that disrupted a government meeting. While Otu's camp has not endorsed either candidate, an aide said the governor "will choose candidates he trusts," weighing fairness and representation. Ayade, who lost the 2023 senatorial race to Jarigbe with 56,595 votes against Jarigbe's 76,145, defended his decision not to deploy security during that election, citing peace and the emergence of Otu. He claimed 254 armed policemen were under his command but were not used to avoid violence. Despite his earlier political absence, Ayade has regained momentum, with former allies and members of Otu's cabinet publicly backing his return. His supporters highlight his role in building the APC in the state and positioning Otu as governor. Jarigbe, who joined the APC from the PDP, has yet to secure a clear endorsement, while some loyalists to Otu remain opposed to him due to his past alignment with Senator Odey, who was removed in 2021 under disputed circumstances.
Senator Ben Ayade's comeback hinges not on popularity but on political debt — the belief that Governor Otu may reward him for enabling his rise. The 2023 election numbers, where Jarigbe beat Ayade by over 20,000 votes, suggest public sentiment favours the incumbent. But internal calculations, especially around loyalty and party foundation-building, could override electoral performance. For Nigerians in Cross River North, this means the ballot may matter less than backroom allegiance.
