Held on April 11, 2015, the People's Democratic Party nominee Benedict Ayade won the election, defeating Odey Ochicha of the All Progressives Congress.
[1][2][3][4] In the leadup to the election, 10 candidates declared their intent to seek the nomination of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
These were Legor Idagbo, former Commissioner for Works, Mike Aniah, former Secretary to the State Government, Larry Odey, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, former Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Goddy Jedy Agba, former Group General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Emmanuel Ibeshi, former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Senator Benedict Ayade Rev.
The LP candidate told the tribunal to nullify the governorship election, stating that it was marred by irregularities.
[20][21][22][23] On the day of the judgement, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo told the tribunal that he is withdrawing the case against the PDP and the winner of the election, Benedict Ayade and so it should be struck out.