Political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum as frontline politician and former Kogi governorship candidate, Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, popularly known as “Muri,” paid emotional tribute to supporters who lost their lives during the 2023 governorship election struggle.
Ajaka, who was successfully screened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kogi East Senatorial race, pledged continued support for the families of those he described as having “paid the supreme price” for the movement.
The Kogi East senatorial aspirant was reportedly granted a waiver by the chairman of the screening committee and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who asked him to “take a bow and go” during the screening exercise a gesture many party faithful interpreted as recognition of his contributions to the APC and his previous role as Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Ajaka called for reconciliation, peace, and unity among the people of Kogi East, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of cooperation and collective purpose.
He urged political leaders and stakeholders to put aside personal interests and work together for the advancement of the Igala nation and the overall development of Kogi State.
According to him, his aspiration is driven by a desire to provide purposeful and people-oriented representation that reflects the true needs and aspirations of ordinary citizens.
Ajaka said that if elected, he would leverage his national political contacts and influence to attract federal presence, development projects, youth empowerment opportunities, and economic investments to Kogi East.
“I want to be a true representative of the people, someone who listens to their voices and fights sincerely for their interests,” he said.
He assured supporters that his campaign would focus on practical solutions to unemployment, insecurity, underdevelopment, and infrastructural challenges affecting the district.
Ajaka also called on APC members and residents of Kogi State to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the President as critical to Nigeria’s stability and economic transformation.
Political observers believe Ajaka’s growing grassroots influence across the nine local government areas of Kogi East has positioned him as one of the leading figures to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.
