Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Alhaji Yakubu Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the last Kogi State Governorship Election, has vehemently dismissed recent political maneuvers by former Governor Yahaya Bello. Ajaka characterized these moves as mere theatrics, designed specifically to mislead the people of the state, in a statement released on Sunday.

Ajaka expressed his disappointment, stating that it was “unfortunate that Yahaya Bello still believes the people of Kogi can be misled by his usual political antics.” He underscored that the citizens of Kogi are now far more politically aware and will no longer be swayed by tactics of deceit or intimidation. According to Ajaka, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not require the kind of manipulative politics associated with Bello to gain the trust of Nigerians, but rather genuine performance and unwavering credibility.

The SDP chieftain further questioned Bello’s political standing and influence, pointing out that the former governor failed to secure victory in his own senatorial district during the most recent general elections. Ajaka found it “laughable that someone who couldn’t even deliver his senatorial district during the last election now claims he can deliver Kogi in 2027,” adding that “The people of our state are wiser and will no longer be used as pawns in anyone’s political games.”

Ajaka firmly maintained that Kogites would cast their votes based on concrete performance, not fear or manipulation. He asserted that a new, conscious generation of citizens is prepared to take charge and define the state’s political future. He concluded, “When the time is right, credible individuals with true political voice and moral standing will rise to deliver the President and the state to a better future. The era of deceitful politics and intimidation is over.” Ajaka, who was a direct opponent to Bello’s preferred candidate in the 2023 governorship poll, remains a prominent and vocal critic of the former governor’s political approach, frequently accusing him of misgovernance and fostering divisive politics.