The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi has finally screened Alhaji Murtala Yakubu-Ajaka, a frontline governorship aspirant, after his purported suspension by the party on Thursday.
Also screened by the party were the State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja, and Sen. Smart Adeyemi, all anxious to lead the people of Kogi come January 27, 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yakubu-Ajaka ‘s screening was made possible after Gov. Yahaya Bello waded into the crisis.
He was suspended for alleged anti-party activities, which the governor frowned at.
Bello, being the leader of the party in Kogi, warned against bickering that could undermine the peace and unity the APC had been known for under his leadership.
He had directed all aspirants in the forthcoming governorship primaries in the state to focus on their strengths in wooing party members and refrain from divisive tendencies in the interest of the party.
Yakubu-Ajaka from Kogi East is also the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC.
Shortly after his screening, Yakubu-Ajaka described his purported suspension as an “avoidable distraction” and thanked the governor for his fatherly role in solving the matter.
“I will rather remain focused so as to emerge victorious in the forthcoming APC primary election scheduled for April 10.
“All I want is for all members of the party, especially my supporters across the state, to remain calm because, in a political contest of this nature, there is room for a clash of interests.
“By the grace of God, everything legitimate will be done to ensure a well-deserving victory for me at the forthcoming primary election,” he assured.
NAN reports that over 20 people from different political parties are jostling for the number one seat in Kogi after Bello’s exit on January 27, 2024.
