Cross River State Governor, Pro. Ben Ayade, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Cross River North seat at the National Assembly for 2023 polls.

Ayade, who emerged unopposed, was elected at a fresh primary election at the Ogoja Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Thursday.

The election followed the voluntary withdrawal of Mr Martins Orim, who won the ticket at the May 28, primaries.

Mrs Sameera Tabo, Chairperson of the APC Primary Election Committee for Cross River North declared the governor winner with 252 votes.

Reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have it that the total votes cast was 255, while three votes were invalidated.

According to Tabo, following Orim’s withdrawal, the fresh primary election was to ensure that the party fielded a candidate for Cross River North under the provisions of the Electoral Act.

In his acceptance speech, Ayade expressed gratitude to the delegates for electing him.

He said that after running for the office of the president of Nigeria, he returned home and then came under pressure from his people to contest for senate.

“They said I did very well when I was a Senator from 2011 to 2015 and insisted I go back; today I have answered their call.

“Of course, they recognised that this country requires a legislator that has both executive and legislative experience.

“I am very experienced, I know the challenges of our people and possess the essential elements that will help us make the appropriate laws and legislation that will change the narrative of our people,” he said.

The governor said he was well equipped for the senate and would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the upper legislative chamber if elected.