The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the ongoing violence surrounding the upcoming Kogi State governorship election. According to the party, Governor Yahaya Bello has allegedly been sponsoring thugs to intimidate and silence opposition candidates, specifically targeting SDP’s candidate, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.
National Secretary of the SDP, Olu Agunloye, expressed concerns during a press conference in Abuja, stating that Governor Bello is planning to arrest Ajaka on false charges of terrorism and gunrunning. Agunloye appealed to the governor to act as a statesman and ensure a level playing field instead of targeting opposition candidates.
Agunloye emphasized the need for a special panel of inquiry, urging President Buhari to investigate the political terrorism, extrajudicial killings, and threats to democracy and civil liberties in Kogi State. The party conducted independent investigations that revealed no legitimate reasons for Governor Bello’s harassment of their governorship candidate, suggesting that it stems from the administration’s failure to meet governance standards and growing unease.
Highlighting the decline in economic and human development indices over the past eight years under Governor Bello’s leadership, the SDP pledged unwavering support for Alh Muritala Ajaka and their commitment to protecting his rights to a secure and safe campaign. They have formally lodged petitions with the Office of the President, Inspector General of Police, and service chiefs, expressing confidence in appropriate