Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship candidate in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has denied any involvement in the protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying he neither authorised nor sponsored the demonstration.
Ajaka made his position known in a statement issued by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Dauda, in response to a publication by a group identified as “Igala Vanguard” and attributed to one Engr. Lawrence Ankpa.
The publication had 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.
Dauda said attributing the activities of citizens who independently participated in the demonstration to Ajaka was misleading and capable of creating a false impression about his involvement.
He stressed that citizens, including Igala youths, had the right to peacefully assemble and express their views on issues concerning their communities, representation and future without the authorisation of any political figure.
The statement said the fact that citizens chose to protest did not mean that their action was directed or sponsored by Ajaka.
It also raised concerns over what it described as the use of fictitious groups and pseudo-identities to make allegations against the former political candidate, urging those with claims against him to identify themselves and provide verifiable facts and evidence.
Dauda further cautioned against the use of Ajaka’s name in what he described as political propaganda and attempts to create controversies around his activities.
He, however, clarified that Ajaka respects the Chairman of INEC and the Commission, as well as the constitutional responsibilities vested in the electoral body.
According to the statement, Ajaka remains confident that INEC will discharge its responsibilities with fairness, professionalism and adherence to the law.
He therefore urged the public to disregard reports attributing the organisation or sponsorship of the protest to him.
