By Sunday Obiji.
A scathing online post by political commentator John Paul has ignited fresh debate in Kogi State, accusing former governorship candidate Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of undermining the Igala ethnic group’s political resurgence while positioning himself as their savior, even as whispers of his potential Senate run gain traction.
In the widely shared missive titled “Muri Ajaka and the Path to Eternal Doom,” Paul lambasted Ajaka as a foremost betrayer of the Igala nation, claiming his so-called Igala agenda is a facade built on past actions that contributed to the district’s power loss since 2015. Paul argued that Kogi East, home to the Igala and Bassa peoples and the state’s most populous region, has been rendered politically impotent, with Ajaka’s involvement in the 2019 election allegedly clearing the path for their downfall. He urged the community to reject Ajaka’s leadership, describing him as a political profiteer lacking academic, corporate, or leadership credentials, and questioned the source of his wealth.
The critique comes against the backdrop of Ajaka’s high-profile role in Kogi politics. A lawyer by training and former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajaka defected to the Social Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 governorship election, where he emerged as the party’s flagbearer. Campaigning heavily on an Igala agenda to reclaim power for Kogi East after eight years under governors from other districts, Ajaka garnered significant support in the region but ultimately lost to Ahmed Usman Ododo of the APC amid allegations of electoral irregularities and violence. Post-election, Ajaka challenged the results up to the Supreme Court, where he claimed an attack on him was orchestrated by state officials, though the court upheld Ododo’s victory.
Paul’s post highlighted divisions within Kogi East, noting that the Ibaji and Bassa factions showed skepticism toward Ajaka in 2023, with vote margins reflecting splits. He warned that pursuing a Senate bid would further harm the Igala cause, labeling Ajaka a questionable character unfit for national representation due to poor communication skills and absence of a substantive agenda. The commentator called for reconciliation with other districts like Okun and a focus on credible leaders with proven competence, rather than what he termed power hustlers.
Ajaka, who has maintained a vocal presence since the election through social media and public statements, has not immediately responded to the allegations in Paul’s post. His supporters have previously defended his switch from APC as a principled stand against godfatherism, particularly criticizing former Governor Yahaya Bello’s influence. Political observers suggest the rumored Senate ambition could target the Kogi East seat, potentially setting up another contentious race in the 2027 cycle.
As Kogi State navigates post-election tensions, Paul’s intervention underscores ongoing ethnic and political fault lines, with calls for unity clashing against accusations of opportunism. With Christmas celebrations underway, the discourse adds a layer of introspection for the Igala community, which continues to grapple with its diminished role in state governance.
