Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Kogi election, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, have resolved their political differences following the intervention of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.
Buni, who serves as Chairman of the APC Presidential Committee on Strategy, Conflict Reconciliation and Mobilisation, facilitated the reconciliation during a meeting attended by key party stakeholders.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Buni described Bello as a longtime friend and committed party loyalist, while also acknowledging Ajaka as a trusted associate.
He stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, every disagreement must eventually give way to peace and understanding, especially among political allies who have worked together for years.
“As we are all aware, there is always an end to every disagreement or dispute. We have worked as brothers for years, and whatever happened during the last election must now be put behind us,” Buni said.
He added that the division between both politicians should not continue, expressing confidence that reconciliation would strengthen political cooperation and progress in Kogi State.
Responding, Yahaya Bello thanked Governor Buni and members of the Presidential Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for their roles in restoring peace between him and Ajaka.
Bello disclosed that several individuals had appealed to him to forgive Ajaka over issues arising from the 2023 governorship election, noting that the former SDP candidate had acknowledged his mistakes and apologized.
“This evening, I pointed out where he erred politically, culturally and otherwise and he has accepted responsibility and apologized. I hereby welcome him back into the fold,” Bello said.
The former governor described Ajaka as a member of his political family, saying their relationship remained strong despite the disagreements that followed the election.
He further stated that political ambition sometimes influences decisions, but expressed optimism that Ajaka’s aspirations would be realized at the appropriate time.
“Everyone who sees this will recognize that this reconciliation is sincere and genuine. To err is human; to forgive is divine,” Bello added.
Earlier, Ajaka had issued a statement apologizing to Bello and admitting that their relationship became strained after the 2023 governorship election.
He appreciated Bello for accepting the apology and commended Governor Buni for initiating the reconciliation process.
“I thank former Governor Yahaya Bello for accepting my apology. Going forward, we remain one family as we were before the election, and Kogi State will benefit greatly from this reconciliation,” Ajaka stated.
He added that the reconciliation would promote peace and political stability in the state, stressing that he had let go of all grievances following the intervention of the APC reconciliation committee.
