BREAKING: Gov. Ayade declares for 2023 presidential race

The executive governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade has joined the race for the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 election.

The governor, who met with Buhari at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, said he informed the president of his intention.

Ayade, who said President Buhari urged him to do more consultation before declaring, added that he came to seek spiritual and political advise from the President on who would take over from him come 2023 for continuity sake.

Meanwhile, the underperforming governor said security, economy, electricity and employment will be his central focus should he become the president.

However, Ayade who promised to replicate what he did in Cross River, stated that if the party should zone the presidency to the South, he will take up the task as the only APC governor in the South South.