The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Kogi State, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka has refuted the claim by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State and former Governor, Yahaya Bello that he has agreed to give up the legal battle to reclaim his alleged stolen mandate.
Ajaka, in a statement on Sunday night observed 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.
He said, “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”.
Ajaka who came second in the November 11, 2023, observed that the fight is not just for him, but for the impoverished, terrorized and dehumanized people of Kogi State and for the families of those who were killed, injured and forced to disappeared.
In addition, the SDP guber candidate stated that, 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.
He stressed that 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 endeavor to rescue Kogi state from the fraudulent actions of Bello and his associates.