The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other relevant security agencies to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for a violent attack on him and his supporters at the Supreme Court premises in Abuja.
The incident occurred on Friday, shortly after the Supreme Court dismissed Ajaka’s appeal challenging the election of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajaka, a prominent political figure in Kogi State, described the attack as not just an assault on his person but a direct attack on democracy.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Ajaka condemned the incident, identifying the attackers as thugs led by Bashiru Gegu, an individual alleged to have ties with the ruling APC in Kogi State.
“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,” Ajaka stated.
He further emphasised that such attacks were inexcusable in a democratic society, especially when the victim is a governorship candidate who sought to reclaim what he termed a “stolen mandate” through legal means.
The attack came on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the election of Governor Usman Ododo. Ajaka, who had hoped to overturn the election results, expressed deep disappointment with the ruling.
While acknowledging the role of the Supreme Court in upholding the rule of law, he made it clear that he did not agree with the judgment.
“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,” Ajaka remarked.
He also noted that despite his rejection of the outcome, he had no other legal options available and would abide by the court’s decision.
Despite the setback, Ajaka commended his legal and media teams for their relentless efforts in challenging the election results. He expressed solidarity with his supporters, acknowledging their pain and disappointment but urged them to remain hopeful for the future.
“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,” Ajaka said.
He also hinted at a potential political comeback in 2027, stating that his team would “regroup, reassess, and come back stronger.”
In addition to his political aspirations, Ajaka vowed to support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in holding the current Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, accountable for alleged financial misconduct.
“We will provide all necessary support to ensure accountability and transparency in governance,” he added.
The governorship election in Kogi State, held on November 11, 2023, was a closely contested race, with allegations of electoral malpractice and violence. Murtala Ajaka, the SDP candidate, was seen as a formidable challenger to the ruling APC’s candidate, Usman Ododo.
However, Ododo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a result that Ajaka and his party vehemently contested.
The case was taken to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal upheld Ododo’s victory. Ajaka’s appeal argued that the election was marred by irregularities, including vote-buying and intimidation of voters.
Despite these claims, the Supreme Court found no merit in the appeal and affirmed Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.
