Political figures from Kogi East have reacted angrily to recent political steps taken by Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Kogi governorship election.
Ajaka, popularly known as Muri in Kogi political circles, recently declared his intention to contest the Kogi East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 election.
He made the declaration in a statement he personally signed and released on Friday.
It was also gathered that Ajaka visited former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to seek his support and approval ahead of the planned senatorial bid.
Okai says Supporters Have Moved on
Reacting to the development, media analyst, public affairs commentator and former House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, Hon. Usman Austin Okai, said there was nothing wrong with contesting an election, but criticised Ajaka’s recent actions.
“Contesting an election is not a crime anywhere. Tendering an apology for running against Yahaya Bello’s preferred candidate in Kogi East is laughable, and Muritala Ajaka’s call for peace in Kogi State is misplaced,” Okai said.
Okai, who is also the publisher of The Observers Times, said many of those who supported Ajaka during the 2023 election had already moved on.
“The people have moved on. Many who worked for Muri in 2023 have gone their separate ways. I don’t know who he thinks he is addressing.
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“Our support for him and the votes he received were a referendum against Yahaya Bello and his administration. We were simply looking for an alternative at all costs, and he happened to be available.
“I don’t understand why Muritala would issue such a lengthy statement and then block people from commenting on his Facebook page. Maybe he already knows the reaction his words will attract from the public. He should open the comment section and face public opinion because that is part of democracy,” he said.
‘Muri Should Enjoy His New Political Relationship’
Okai added that Ajaka’s repeated comments were reopening old political wounds.
“The more he writes, the more he provokes people by reminding them of the past. Muri should enjoy his new political relationship and leave the rest of us alone.
“Someone who claimed to have won an election and had the mandate taken away is now apologising to the same people he accused of taking it from him. That is disappointing,” he added.
Okutepa Faults Alleged Apology to Bello
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, also faulted Ajaka’s reported apology to Bello.
“It is sad and offensive to see Muri apologising to Yahaya Bello over a mandate that was freely given to him but allegedly stolen.
“What is even more painful is that some of us offered our legal services free of charge, yet it was never appreciated. Sadly, many politicians are not ready to stand with the people,” Okutepa said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.