The Kogi state governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 11, 2023 governorship election, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka, has denied a claim by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State and former governor of the state, Yahaya Bello that he has agreed to give up the legal battle to reclaim his stolen mandate in that election.
In a statement late Sunday evening, Ajaka said, “I want to address the false information being circulated by the illegitimate government of Usman Ododo in Kogi and its controller, Yahaya Bello, claiming that I have agreed to give up the legal battle to reclaim our stolen mandate”.
Ajaka held in the statement that he has never had any discussions, either personally or through a representative, with Ododo and Bello to abandon his fight to reclaim his mandate.
In his words, “I am fully committed to pursuing the legal battle to regain the mandate that was freely given to us by the people of Kogi State.
“It would be a massive betrayal of our shared struggle, the impoverished workers, retirees and the people of Kogi State, as well as the memory of our comrades who were unlawfully killed by these same individuals, for me to even consider having any discussions with them to compromise this historic struggle.”
According to the SDP governorship candidate, the fight is not just for him, but for the impoverished, terrorised and dehumanised people of Kogi State and for the families of those who were killed, injured and forcibly disappeared by Yahaya Bello and his group.
He said his legal team has since filed thirty-two strong, compelling and arguable grounds of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, within the stipulated time.
Ajaka said all the necessary legal procedures were followed to ensure that the appeal is heard and determined within the given timeframe and that he is confident that he will be successful.
He commended the support, commitment and patience of all his supporters and partners in the endeavour to rescue Kogi State from the fraudulent actions of Bello and his associates.
