Fresh political tension is brewing in Kogi East following controversial moves by Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who has now set his sights on the Kogi East senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ajaka, widely known as Muri, recently declared his ambition in a personally signed statement, framing his decision as part of a broader push for peace and political cohesion in Kogi State. But that narrative has quickly come under fire.
The controversy deepened after reports emerged that Ajaka paid a visit to former governor Yahaya Bello—a move widely interpreted as an attempt to secure political backing from the state’s APC power structure.
The development has drawn sharp criticism from prominent voices in the region, including political commentator and former House of Representatives candidate, Usman Austin Okai.
Okai did not mince words: while acknowledging that contesting elections is a fundamental democratic right, he described Ajaka’s reported apology and overtures to Bello as “politically demeaning” and inconsistent with the ideals of opposition politics.
According to him, “Seeking validation from the same establishment you once challenged raises serious questions about credibility. The talk of ‘peace’ becomes hollow when it is tied to political submission rather than principled engagement.”
Legal heavyweight Jibrin Samuel Okutepa (SAN) is also said to share similar reservations, with insiders suggesting he views the move as a troubling signal for political integrity and party discipline within the opposition space.
Across Kogi East, reactions remain mixed but intense. While some see Ajaka’s outreach as pragmatic politics, others view it as a strategic retreat that could weaken opposition strength ahead of 2027.
With the race still far off, the unfolding drama is already reshaping alliances and testing loyalties—setting the stage for what could become a fiercely contested political battle in Kogi State.