2023 governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi state, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has dismissed speculation that he is planning to defect to another party.
Addressing state working committee and key stakeholders at the party secretariat in Lokoja on Saturday, Ajaka said SDP is the only vehicle capable of rescuing Kogi state in the 2027 elections.
“I stand before you today, not as a man preparing to abandon the ship, but as your captain, steady at the helm. Let my words be clear and let them go out to all corners of this state: I have not asked anyone to move to the ADC or the APC. I remain a committed and dedicated member of the Social Democratic Party.
“I am not about leaving this party that we have built together. But I want to assure you of this: if such a need ever does arise in the future, which I do not foresee, I will first call on this house and all other critical persons to inform them of such a decision. It will be a collective discussion, not a solitary one.
“Do not be swayed by rumours or intimidated by temporary setbacks. This is the party that represents the hope of the common people of Kogi. This is the party that will rescue Kogi State from the grips of maladministration and lead us into a new era of progress and prosperity. Our mission is not for 2023, it is for 2027, and we must begin our work now,” he said.
He declared his unwavering loyalty to the party and called on its members to remain steadfast.
The meeting was attended by local government chairmen, women leaders, youth representatives and other critical stakeholders from across all 21 local government areas of the state.
In a closing remark, the State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Ahmed Attah, praised Ajaka’s leadership and reaffirmed the SWC’s total support for his vision.