SDP’s Ajaka alleges attack by political thugs, calls for investigations

Murtala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 11, 2023, Kogi State election, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other relevant security agencies to investigate an alleged attack on him and his supporters.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday at the Supreme Court in Abuja, shortly after the apex court dismissed Ajaka’s appeal challenging the election victory of Usman Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ajaka alleges that the attack was orchestrated by one Bashiru Gegu and a group of thugs, who he claims targeted him and his supporters in a bid to intimidate and silence opposition voices.

Ajaka’s appeal, which sought to overturn the results of the Kogi governorship election, was dismissed by the Supreme Court for lacking merit. Following the ruling, Ajaka and his supporters were reportedly confronted by the assailants, raising concerns about the safety and security of political actors in the state.

In his statement, Ajaka urged the IGP and security agencies to take immediate action to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. He emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that political violence is not tolerated in the electoral process.

The incident has sparked outrage among Ajaka’s supporters and has further highlighted the tense political atmosphere in Kogi State as the governorship election approaches.

According to Ajaka, “This was not only an attack on my person but also an assault on democracy itself. I urge the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly, ensuring that culprits are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

“In a democratic society, attacks on a governorship candidate, because he explored a legal means to reclaim his stolen mandate, are inexcusable and will not be tolerated.”

Speaking on the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi State, Ajaka stated that while he respects the decision of the apex court and its role in upholding the rule of law, he categorically rejects the outcome of the judgment.

In his words, “The world has witnessed the miscarriage of justice in our nation’s judiciary system, and we cannot help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and disillusionment.

“The judgment has left many questions unanswered and has further eroded the trust of the Nigerian people in the judiciary.

“We reject the outcome even though we have no other options available; we will abide by the decision of the apex court.”

He praised his legal and media teams for their relentless dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to reclaiming his stolen mandate.

“To my supporters, I feel your pain and disappointment. We did our best, leaving no stone unturned, but the system failed us. We fought a good fight, but the outcome is not a reflection of our efforts.

“However, we take solace in the fact that 2027 is around the corner, and we will know what to do. We will regroup, reassess, and come back stronger.

“We consider this chapter closed, but our focus now shifts to supporting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in bringing Yahaya Bello to book. We will provide all necessary support to ensure accountability and transparency in governance,” he said.