In politics, true influence is not measured solely by the offices one has occupied but by the ability to remain connected to the people, sustain political structures and translate political loyalty into meaningful action. In this regard, former Governor of Cross River State, Sir Benedict Ayade, CON, continues to demonstrate his relevance and commitment to the political fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His recent participation in the APC Presidential Campaign Rally held on Monday at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, provided another opportunity to demonstrate his grassroots mobilisation capacity and commitment to the party’s political aspirations. At the rally, Ayade mobilised thousands of his followers and facilitated the distribution of campaign materials worth millions of naira, contributing to the visibility and overall success of the party’s campaign activities.
Beyond his participation at the rally, Ayade’s mobilisation efforts reportedly extended across the five Local Government Areas of the Northern Senatorial District, where he successfully mobilised and demobilised 20,000 supporters while facilitating the distribution of 50,000 campaign materials. These efforts reflect a deliberate commitment to strengthening the APC’s grassroots presence and consolidating support for its candidates.
More significantly, Ayade’s political engagement is anchored on support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his successor, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, in 2027. His position underscores the importance of continuity, party cohesion and collective commitment among APC stakeholders as the party prepares for another electoral contest.
However, Ayade’s support goes beyond mobilising supporters and distributing campaign materials. It also involves working in partnership with other political stakeholders, state actors and the APC leadership to build a united front capable of securing overwhelming electoral victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu in 2027. His understanding of the importance of collaboration, political alignment and collective responsibility underscores the need for party leaders and stakeholders to work together, not only to consolidate the APC’s position in Cross River State but also to contribute to the party’s success across Nigeria.
For Ayade, the current political engagement also presents an opportunity to demonstrate that political leadership and responsibility extend beyond the period of occupying public office. Having served as Governor of Cross River State, he understands the state’s political dynamics, the importance of stakeholder relationships and the strategic value of grassroots mobilisation.
His experience, political network and longstanding relationships across the state remain valuable assets to the APC, particularly at a time when political structures, effective coordination and sustained engagement are essential to electoral preparedness.
It is important to recognise that successful political mobilisation goes beyond assembling crowds at rallies. It involves building trust, maintaining relationships, strengthening party structures and ensuring that supporters remain actively connected to the political process. Ayade’s latest interventions demonstrate an appreciation of these responsibilities.
His support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Otu’s People First administration also reflects his alignment with the APC’s broader political direction. As the party looks towards 2027, the contributions of experienced leaders and former public office holders will remain important in consolidating its structures and building a united political front.
Indeed, political loyalty is most meaningful when demonstrated through action. Ayade’s presence at the presidential rally, the mobilisation of thousands of supporters and the provision of campaign materials worth millions of naira reinforce his willingness to contribute to the party’s collective aspirations.
Ultimately, leadership should not be defined only by the duration of one’s stay in public office but also by the capacity to remain relevant, inspire participation and contribute to a shared vision. Sir Benedict Ayade continues to make his political presence felt in Cross River State, demonstrating that his commitment to the APC extends beyond political office.
As the journey towards the 2027 presidential and governorship elections gathers momentum, Ayade’s grassroots mobilisation efforts, political partnerships and continued engagement represent important contributions to the campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
Politics with Ethics!
