2023: Governor Ben Ayade Loses Cross River APC Senatorial Ticket, As Orji Kalu Emerges Victorious

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State lost his ambition to ascend to the Senate after his two-year tenure expired on Saturday.

According to Anaedoonline.ng, Ayade’s term will end on May 29, 2023.

Ayade switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021 and ran in the ruling party’s Senate primary in Calabar.

Ayade, who received 52 votes, was defeated by Adams Cecelia, who received 140 votes, and Martin Orim, who received 61 votes.

Meanwhile, Orji Uzor Kalu, the legislator representing Abia North Senatorial District and Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, has secured the All Progressives Congress senatorial ticket.

Kalu gathered 777 votes to emerge unopposed after Barr Fabian Nwankwo stepped down from the race.

Chief Paul Onwuka, returning officer for the senatorial primary election declared him a winner in Ebem Ohafia the venue of the election on Saturday.

Kalu in his acceptance speech dedicated his victory to the people of the district and promised to attract more projects to the district.