In a recent video from 01:00 on Facebook, Nigerian cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has weighed in on emerging political ambitions in Cross River State, offering strong words of encouragement to a figure he identified as Professor Ben Ayade while also making broader claims about electoral contests involving sitting governors.
Speaking during a recent address, Ayodele urged Ayade to pursue a senatorial bid, expressing confidence in his chances of success. “Ben Ayade of Cross River, go for Senate. You are the best man to hold that place better than whoever is there now, and your people will embrace it,” he said.
The prophet further advised him not to hesitate in declaring his ambition. “Go and declare for it, notwithstanding,” Ayodele added, suggesting that public support would align in his favour once he steps forward.
Beyond the individual endorsement, Ayodele made a sweeping claim about Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly regarding incumbency advantage. According to him, challenging a sitting governor seeking re-election is largely futile. “Anybody that wants to contest primary with any governor is wasting time,” he stated.
He emphasized that financial strength or political backing would not be enough to unseat an incumbent pursuing a second term. “If you have your money, you want to contest for governor and a sitting governor wants to go for second term, there’s no way,” Ayodele said.
The cleric concluded with a firm warning to potential challengers across the country. “Anybody that wants to contest second term with any governor in Nigeria… you will fail,” he declared. Read_More…