Many who are now hailing Sen. Ayade previously condemned Sen. Jarigbe Agom when he distributed similar motorcycles.
By Inyali Peter
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – There have been mixed reactions to former Governor Ben Ayade’s recent donation of motorcycles and cars to ward and chapter chairmen of the APC in Cross River North. Some have criticised it as opportunistic, while others praise it as a thoughtful empowerment initiative.
But, the common thread that runs through the commentary on both sides is hypocrisy. Many who are now hailing Sen. Ayade previously condemned Sen. Jarigbe Agom when he distributed similar motorcycles. Conversely, some who slammed Ayade’s offer now cheered Jarigbe before for the same reason.
The truth remains that Okada gift is deemed “good” or “bad” not on principle, but on the basis of who gives it and whose interests align at the moment. Consistency and genuine conviction are always on holiday when they’re involved.
For me, I’ve consistently maintained that there’s nothing inherently wrong with providing motorcycles, especially for those who genuinely need them. In Cross River North’s rugged terrain, where many areas are inaccessible by car, these machines enable ward chairmen to reach constituents, visit farms, conduct party business, or even generate income. When given to grassroots leaders who require mobility for their offices, as appears to be the case here or those into Okada business as political leaders do most times, I think the gesture should be commended regardless of who gives it.
However, my only real reservation is the timing. As someone experienced in public relations and perception management, I believe former Governor Ayade has invested far too little in rebuilding his public image since his 2023 Senate defeat. Whenever this issue has come up, some of his core supporters will tell you that Governor Otu lost elections twice but retuned and won as l Governor.
While their points may be factual, they don’t have practical bearing to the issue. Many people, and rightly so believed that Governor Otu “lost” the 2015 and 2019 senatorial races due to alleged oppression and rigging by the then-ruling PDP. Being forced out in 2015 actually boosted his popularity statewide as he was no longer seen as just a Cross River South figure but a victim of injustice whose appeal spread across the state. His team skillfully sustained the narrative that he had won those earlier contests, and he never fully vanished from the scene. He remained visible enough to keep the perception alive that his “sweetness” endured.
In Ayade’s situation, this is not the case. He entered politics with an already stellar reputation for philanthropy. As a senator, he endeared himself through articulate floor contributions, people-centered projects like roads, scholarships for the underprivileged, subsidised bus services, etc. His reputation as an employer through his hotel, microfinance bank, and other ventures kept him on the lips of many.
As governor, however, expectations were high, fueled by his own high pre-office standards and ambitious promises. When delivery fell short of those benchmarks, many, especially in the North, judged him harshly not on the basis of what he actually did but the bar he sets before becoming Governor and the things he promised to do but fail to. Not meeting the high expectations of the people now was seen as a matter of choice rather than capacity. By 2023, when he sought a return to the Senate, that unmet expectation proved decisive.
Between his loss and now, Ayade could have used the time to reconnect systematically and rebuild organic support. He could have used the period to remind people that he remains the same generous, impactful figure who once touched lives across the district upon returning home. He could have explained the challenges of governance, gradually rebuilt goodwill, and avoided disappearing only to re-emerge with election-season gifts. Such an approach might have softened the transactional perception these donations now carry.
The silver lining? With no vibrant opposition in sight and APC dominance in the state, if the current governor supports him and influences the ticket, Ayade could well return to Senate in 2027. But the victory would stem more from party machinery and the absence of credible challengers than from any organic restoration of the widespread affection he once enjoyed post-2015.
In the end, gestures like these can help, but they land best when rooted in sustained, genuine engagement not as sudden comeback tactics. Win or lose in this election, methinks Ayade needs consistent effort to remind people why they once loved “that Ayade” so deeply. Pre-2015, he commanded an organic affection that only few politicians in Cross River could dream of. There were times when he didn’t need to distribute okada for crowds to chant his name in genuine admiration. We need that Ayade back, the one who commanded chants without okada; not necessarily for this race, but for his own legacy and persona going forward.
