Ajaka Denies Sponsoring INEC Protest, Warns Against False Attribution

A Former governorship candidate, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has distanced himself from the recent protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing reports linking him to the demonstration as false and misleading.

Members of the Coalition of Kogi East Youths Association had on Wednesday converged at the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to protest what they described as the deliberate marginalisation of their region in the ongoing creation of additional political wards across Kogi State.

The protesters, who gathered in significant numbers, expressed outrage that the Kogi East senatorial district, which they claim has the highest population and voter turnout in the state, has been excluded from the proposed ward expansion exercise, while the less populated Kogi West and Kogi Central regions have benefited.

However, Ajaka, in a statement issued by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Dauda, said he neither authorised, sponsored, directed, commissioned nor coordinated the protest.

The statement was issued in reaction to a publication by a group identified as “Igala Vanguard” and attributed to one Engr. Lawrence Ankpa, which allegedly linked Ajaka to the protest.

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

It described the attribution of the activities of independent citizens to Ajaka as an attempt to mislead the public and drag his name into an issue with which he had no connection.

The former governorship candidate, however, acknowledged the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, stressing that youths from Igala communities did not require the permission of any political actor to assemble and express concerns over issues affecting their communities, representation and future.

The statement questioned the basis for linking citizens who independently decided to air their grievances to Ajaka simply because of their political or ethnic identity.

It further alleged that some individuals and groups were using fictitious associations and pseudo-identities to engage in character assassination, political manipulation and the circulation of unsubstantiated allegations.

Ajaka’s media aide warned those allegedly operating such platforms to desist from using his name for political propaganda, blackmail and what it described as “manufactured controversies.”

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

It also clarified that Ajaka holds the chairman of INEC and the Commission in high regard, adding that he respects the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the electoral body.

According to the statement, Ajaka remains confident that INEC will continue to discharge its responsibilities with fairness, professionalism and adherence to the law.

The statement therefore urged members of the public to disregard what it described as the false attribution of the protest to Ajaka and be properly guided.