Ex-Kogi SDP gov candidate Ajaka denies involvement in protest against INEC

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The 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Ajaka, has dissociated himself from the protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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Ajaka described reports linking him to the action as “false and misleading.”

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In a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Dauda, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Wednesday, Ajaka said he neither authorised, sponsored, directed, commissioned, nor coordinated the protest.

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The statement was issued in response to a publication by a group identified as “Igala Vanguard”, attributed to one Lawrence, which allegedly linked Ajaka to the demonstration.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka did not authorise, sponsor, direct, commission or coordinate the protest,” the statement said.

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It added that attributing the actions of independent citizens to Ajaka was an attempt to mislead the public and drag his name into an issue with which he was not connected.

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Ajaka’s media aide also defended the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, stressing that Igala youths did not require the permission of any political actor to assemble and express concerns about issues affecting their communities, representation and future.

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The statement questioned why citizens who independently chose to speak out on matters affecting them should automatically be associated with Ajaka.

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It further accused unnamed individuals and groups of using fictitious associations and pseudo-identities to engage in character assassination, political manipulation and the spread of unsubstantiated allegations.

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The statement warned those allegedly operating behind such platforms to stop using Ajaka’s name for political propaganda, blackmail and manufactured controversies.

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“Anyone with allegations against Ajaka should come forward openly, using their real names and presenting facts and evidence that could withstand public scrutiny.”

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The statement, however, clarified that Ajaka holds the Chairman of INEC and the commission in high esteem.

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According to the statement, “Ajaka respects the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the INEC Chairman and remains confident that the Commission will continue to discharge its duties with fairness, professionalism and regard for the law.”

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The statement urged the public to disregard the alleged false attribution and be guided accordingly.

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