Youths suspected to be supporters of Governor Yahaya Bello and Usman Ododo, Kogi Governor-elect has taken to the streets of Lokoja to protest against Murtala Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the just concluded Governorship Election.
Recall the ongoing political crisis between the supporters Governor-elect, Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and candidate of the SDP.
Also recall that youths claiming to be supporters of SDP stormed INEC office in Lokoja, protesting.
It is suspected that the crisis emanated when Murtala Ajaka and the SDP lawyers were trying to access the election materials as approved by the court, leading to the attempted assassination of INEC’s Kogi REC, Dr. Hale Longpet, amidst other protest.
The protesting youths accuses Muri Ajaka for making attempt to burn down the state because he lost out in the Governorship Election. The youths was led by Oladele John Nihi, the Chairman of the Directorate of Youths Mobilization in the Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council, he said said the election was the freest and fairest in the history of the State, asking whoever that wants to contest the outcome to do so in line with laid rules and guidelines, instead of harassing the electoral umpire.
Nihi called on security agencies to rise up to the occasion and preserve the peace that had been enjoyed in the State.
Also speaking on behalf of women is Ireti Olukomogbon, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Yahaya Bello on Voters Education, she said they were surprised that the SDP Candidate was trying to set the people against INEC over his incessant and unfounded allegation against the electoral umpire.
She added the election was free and fair, appealing to the SDP candidate and supporters to embrace peace and work together with the candidate that has emerged.
“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 youths and women demography, we will support Alhaji Usman Ododo to succeed”, she said.