EX-KOGI SDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN INEC PROTEST

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Former Kogi State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has denied any involvement in the recent protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Ajaka described reports linking him to the demonstration as false and misleading.

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

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The statement followed a publication by a group identified as “Igala Vanguard” and attributed to one Lawrence, which reportedly linked Ajaka to the demonstration.

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

It added that associating the actions of independent citizens with Ajaka was an attempt to mislead the public and involve him in an issue unrelated to him.

Ajaka’s media aide, however, defended the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, saying Igala youths did not need the approval of any politician to gather and voice concerns about matters affecting their communities, representation and future.

The statement also questioned why citizens who independently decided to express their views on issues affecting them should automatically be linked to Ajaka.

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

The statement warned those behind such platforms to desist from using Ajaka’s name for political propaganda, blackmail and what it described as manufactured controversies.

It challenged anyone with allegations against Ajaka to come forward openly, identify themselves and provide facts and evidence capable of withstanding public scrutiny.

The statement also clarified that Ajaka holds the INEC Chairman and the commission in high regard.

It said Ajaka respects the constitutional responsibilities of the INEC Chairman and remains confident that the electoral body will carry out its duties with fairness, professionalism and adherence to the law.

The public was consequently urged to disregard what the statement described as the false attribution linking Ajaka to the protest.