Don’t burn down Kogi State over ‘defeat bitterness’, protesters urged Ajaka

Scores of Kogi youths and women on Friday called on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate, Muritala Ajaka, and his supporters to accept his defeat in the November 11 gubernatorial election and refrain from inciting violence in the state.

The peaceful protesters marched through the streets of Lokoja, urging Ajaka and his supporters not to burn down the state over the candidate’s inability to come to terms with what they called his overwhelming defeat.

The protester also stated that the state belongs to all residents, regardless of political affiliation, and expressed concern over Ajaka’s alleged refusal to accept the outcome of the election, which they described as “overwhelming defeat.”

They called on him and his supporters to desist from actions that could jeopardise the peace and stability of the state, adding that nothing must be allowed to affect the peace they had enjoyed for over seven years under the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello.

Dele, one of the protesters, condemned the SDP’s threats and accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and urged security agencies to ensure the safety of residents.

“Muritala Ajaka and these few SDP supporters should not overheat the polity unnecessarily. We take a serious exception to these actions of wanting to burn down the state. Elections have come and gone and someone has won. If you’re aggrieved, follow the right channel,” the protester said.

Another protester, who spoke on behalf of the young women, Ireti Olukomogbon, noted that they were surprised that the SDP candidate was trying to set the people against INEC over his incessant and unfounded allegations against the electoral umpire.

“Kogi people have shown clearly that they stand with the Kogi Agenda with their votes. If you’re aggrieved, go to court the proper way. As for the youth and women’s demographics, we will support Alhaji Usman Ododo to succeed,” she said.