In the lead-up to the highly anticipated November 11th gubernatorial election in Kogi State, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) candidate, Murtala Ajaka, boldly asserts his popularity as a frontrunner in the race.
During a recent interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Ajaka passionately expressed his confidence, stating that the people of Kogi State are firmly in his corner and will cast their votes in favor of his party.
He declared, “I am the most popular candidate in the state. By the grace of God, the people are with me. By November 11, I am going to win the election.”
Ajaka didn’t shy away from addressing his opponent, Governor Yahaya Bello, stating that the incumbent governor is vigorously pursuing him because he recognizes the lesser popularity of his chosen candidate. In his words, “That is why he (Governor Yahaya Bello) is after me. He knows his candidate is not popular. His candidate is part of the problem.”
Furthermore, Ajaka accused Governor Bello of orchestrating the selection of the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) candidate, Ahmed Ododo, without transparency, alluding to a mysterious deal that propelled Ododo to become the party’s flagbearer.
While Ajaka did not elaborate on the details of this alleged deal, he maintained that the civil servants and citizens of Kogi State stand in opposition to the APC candidate.
“The civil servants in the state are against his candidate, virtually everybody in the state is against the candidate. He is the one putting this candidate because of the deal they have,” Ajaka added.
Ajaka suggested that Governor Bello’s motivations lie in his ambition to contest the presidential election in 2027. He contended, “He is putting this guy forward because Yahaya Bello wants to contest the 2027 presidential election. Take it to the bank.”
When questioned about his academic qualifications for the role of the state’s governor, Ajaka assured that he meets the constitutional requirements. He affirmed that he possesses not only the minimum requirement of a Senior School Certificate but also holds a degree in Public Administration.
He emphasized, “I have more than a school certificate. I have my first degree in Public Administration but of course, the constitution says ‘the minimum requirement.'”
In the midst of his electoral aspirations, Ajaka also highlighted the current legal challenges faced by his deputy, attributing them to the actions of the state government in collaboration with security agencies.
“I have to submit the one I know that nobody can call and change anything there. You can see what they are trying to do to my deputy now. The state government in collaboration with security agencies in the state has taken my deputy to court.”