Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, yesterday, emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Cross River North Senatorial District after a fresh primary in line with the provisions of the new Electoral Act.
This followed the voluntary withdrawal of the previous candidate, Martins Orim.
Ayade who stood unopposed at the primary held at the Ogoja Local Government headquarters, polled 252 votes of the 255 votes cast.
Chairman of the electoral committee, Sameera Tabo, said three votes were declared invalid.
He said following Orim’s withdrawal, a fresh primary had to be conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
Ayade expressed gratitude to the delegates for electing him.
He said he was well equipped for the senate and would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the upper legislative chamber if elected.