The recently concluded off-season election in Kogi State has sparked controversy, with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate, Muritala Ajaka, expressing disillusionment and doubts about the transparency of the electoral process. During a televised interview on Channels Television, Ajaka voiced his skepticism towards the declared result by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, asserting that seeking legal redress over the alleged rigging would be an exercise in futility.
“What am I going to court to do when the same INEC that perpetrated this rigging is going to stand as a witness to defend their actions? It is a waste of time. To do what? Except for the party people because I’m hugely disappointed. If the INEC chairman allows this to stand, they are looking for trouble in Nigeria,” Ajaka lamented.
The SDP candidate conveyed his frustration and emphasized the substantial investment of time, resources, and effort he and his supporters committed to the election, only to be confronted with what he considers an unjust outcome. He further rebuked the INEC chairman, cautioning that tolerating such irregularities could incite widespread unrest in Nigeria.
“You gave me assurance that the election would be transparent, you allowed me to expend my time, resources, and rally my people, only for you to manipulate the results. Even if I’m not disheartened by it, you expect my supporters to be jubilant.
“I can assure you, if they enable this status quo, as is happening in several states, they are beckoning anarchy in this country,” affirmed Ajaka.
